I appeal to our minister, don’t overlook much-needed Listry Bridge
SIR,
I write this open letter to Minister Brendan Griffin and Minister Shane Ross on behalf of the local community of Listry and the thousands of road users that drive the R563 linking Killarney to West Kerry.
In July of this year Kerry County Council made an appraisal application to the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport seeking approval for funding, under the Capital Plan for Regional Roads, for a new two-lane bridge to replace the current single-lane 170-year-old structure on the R563 at Listry.
The council has submitted a preliminary design for a new two-lane bridge complete with footpaths on the main transport artery linking Killarney to West Kerry. I want to stress, in the strongest possible terms, how critically important this application is to improving transport efficiency, enhancing regional access to and from West Kerry and supporting the rural economy of the region.
It is also of paramount importance for tourism transport and to provide major road safety improvements for daily road users at this location, where an antiquated single-lane bridge creates a bottleneck on a regional road with rapidly increasing traffic volumes.
I am appealing to you as Minister of State to ensure that this application for a new bridge is successful and funded in the Capital Plan for regional roads. I want to recognise and acknowledge the funding that you as Minister have secured for Kerry, but it is essential that you ensure that Listry bridge is not forgotten again. Over decades this project has been ignored by successive Governments, Ministers, and TDs. For almost 20 years as a local Councillor I have been relentlessly campaigning in Kerry County Council for this new bridge.
This application is now at a critical stage, and this is Listry’s one and only opportunity. If successful it gives the opportunity for progress, growth and improved safety. If refused it will be viewed as a devastating setback, totally ignoring the needs of transport, tourism, safety and improved regional accessibility.
Minister Griffin your influence in delivering this project will prove vital, and I appeal for your support. Sincerely,
Cllr Brendan Cronin, Rathcomane,
Ballyhar