Finish-line in sight for N86 works

FIRST PHASE OF N86 SCHEME ‘NEAR COMPLETION’ IN CAMP AND LIOS PÓIL

THE FIRST phase of the N86 improvement scheme is nearing completion in Camp and Lios Póil, according to Kerry County Council.

The scheme on the N86 from Dingle to Annascaul and from Gortbreagoge to Camp is proposed to be carried out in a number of phases. The first phase involves ongoing works on the 2.7-kilometre stretch between Lios Póil and lower Baile na Saor; and 1.3 kilometres between Ballygarret and Camp. The sections are about 18 kilometres apart.

A Council spokesperson explained to The Kerryman that “The section of the project at Camp was opened to traffic on the new road surface in early May, 2018. This section of the project is now approaching substantial completion, with installation of road signage currently ongoing.

“At Lios Póil, the earthworks, drainage, and pavement construction on the embankment at Baile na Saor are well-advanced, and it is expected that the temporary traffic-management arrangements will be removed in the coming weeks, with the embankment being opened to traffic at the time.

“It is now expected that overall substantial completion will be achieved very soon.”

For the most part, the project is made up of widening and realignment on the existing N86, with cycleway/pedestrian facilities on each side.

An offline section of work in Baile na Saor is taking place to remove a hairpin bend.

The council went on to explain that it is currently in discussions with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) on the location and extent of, and funding for, the project’s next phase.

The contract for the €8million-project was awarded in October 2016 to a joint venture between Allman Contracts Limited and Mid Cork Tarmacadam.

A spokesperson said the improvements will significantly improve road safety for vehicles and vulnerable road-users.

They added that it will improve access to the west Kerry peninsula and “contribute to the economic and tourism development of the area”.

The project has not been without controversy. A 2015 High Court ruling found in favour of the decision to move ahead with the scheme after An Taisce, in late-2014, sought to quash An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant permission for the scheme. An Taisce had called for a full environmental impact study (EIS) on the entire 32-kilometre stretch covered by the project, a stance which met fierce opposition in the forms of a protest march in Dingle and a petition, which drew more than 700 signatures.