€10m Kilderry scheme signed off on

THE contract for a €10m road at the N70 Kilderry Bends between Milltown and Killorglin has been signed, removing a stretch previously described by the former NRA as one of the most dangerous in the country.

The signing took place this week at Kerry County Council (KCC) offices and allows for the development of a new 3.5-kilometre section between the townlands of Knockavota and Tinnahally over the next 18 months or so. A council representative said the work will improve access and eliminate a number of dangerous bends on a route travelled by some 6,500 cars every day. Initial works have commenced at the site and Cork-based Sorensen Civil Engineering Ltd was appointed as contractor in late 2017.

KCC chief executive Moira Murrell, Councillors Michael O’Shea and Michael Cahill, members of Sorensen Engineering, and Cathaoirleach John Sheehan welcomed the news as vital to Kerry.

“This is a very important day for mid Kerry and for the whole county,” Cllr Sheehan said. “This will greatly improve safety for all road users and will improve journey times for those travelling between north and south Kerry. Over 6,500 vehicles will be using the new road on a daily basis.

“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,”

Approval for the Kilderry scheme was granted by KCC in 2014. A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was confirmed in 2016 and KCC said the land acquisition process is nearing completion.

Back row from left: John Wallace (Sorensen), John Shalloe (RPS Consulting Engineers), John O’Donovan (RPS), Tracy Smith (KCC), Charlie O’Sullivan (KCC), Cllr Michael Cahill, James Morris (KCC), Franck Guérineau (KCC). Front: Olaf Sorensen (Sorensen...