Councillors have approved plans for major safety works at a high-collision location (HCL) on the Ring of Kerry.
The N70 Creamery Cross Road Project will upgrade around 700 metres of the N70 at its junction with the R565 to Portmagee.
Elected members of Kenmare Municipal District voted in favour of the project at a special meeting recently.
The chief executive’s report, which summarised public feedback and made a recommendation on the proposal, was presented to councillors as part of the Part 8 planning process}.
Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District, Norma Moriarty, said it had taken ten years to reach this point.
This section of the N70, stretching from the townland of Oghermong near Cahersiveen to Laharan South near Waterville, will be widened to a seven-metre single carriageway, including across the existing bridge over the Oghermong River.
The project will also create a separate two-metre-wide cycle and pedestrian lane on one side.
Drainage works will be carried out to direct water away from the road and culvert existing streams beneath the roadway, addressing ongoing drainage issues at the site.
A total of 48 public submissions were received, most of which supported the upgrade, citing safety improvements, better infrastructure, and enhanced local connectivity.
However, some expressed concerns that road improvements might lead to higher speeds and reduced safety, while others opposed the cycle and pedestrian facilities due to potential land impacts.
Kerry County Council officials stated that no land will be severed and that affected owners will be compensated and engaged individually.
They added that specific requests, such as additional entrances for fuel deliveries, will be addressed during the detailed design stage.
Both entrances to a local shop and petrol station will be modified to improve access, allowing long vehicles, including delivery and refuelling trucks, to enter the property more easily.
There were also inquiries about the possibility of adding lighting at the new junction.
Some councillors have requested that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) consider reducing the speed limit on this stretch of the national secondary road from 80km/h to 60km/h.
Additional speed limit signage will be installed along both approaches to the scheme.
The chief executive recommended the project proceed as proposed, with ongoing engagement to ensure fair compensation for landowners, sensitive application of mitigation measures, and the incorporation of local suggestions where feasible.
