Kilderry bends scheme set for January start after contractor appointed

WORK on the €10million Kilderry Bends scheme between Milltown and Killorglin will get underway next month after Kerry County Council (KCC) appointed a contractor in the last week, welcome news for those who travel on one of Ireland’s most dangerous stretches of road.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) approved the appointment of Cork-based Sorenson Civil Engineering in recent days, and they will develop a new new 3.5kilometre section on the N70, improving access on the important road and removing a number of infamous bends. The notorious stretch has previously been highlighted by the National Roads Authority as one of the most dangerous stretches in the county. The local authority received planning approval for the project in 2014, and land acquisition through a Compulsory Purchase Order is nearing completion, a spokesperson said.

Reacting to the news, KCC Cathaoirleach John Sheehan said the route between Tralee and Killorglin, used by some 6,500 vehicles each day, is one of the most important in Kerry and that the upcoming improvements are hugely welcome. “This is a very important day for mid-Kerry and for the whole county,” he said. “This will greatly improve safety for all road users and will improve journey times for those travelling between north and south Kerry.

“It is vital in a rural county like ours that the necessary transport linkages are provided to allow for increased economic activity and to provide locals and visitors alike with an enhanced road network. I look forward to its completion in 2019,” he added.