merrion street

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, has welcomed the decision by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to allocate funding of €3.8 million for the upgrade of the N86 Dingle to Annascaul and Gortbreagoge to Camp Road sections of the N86, which will include a cycleway, road widening and improved pedestrian facilities.

The N86 Dingle to Annascaul and Gortbreagoge to Camp Road Improvement Scheme comprises two sections; Dingle to Annascaul which is 16.5km in length and Gortbreagoge to Camp which is 11.5km.  The scheme includes a total of 24.1km of on-line widening, 2.3km of off-line widening and 1.6km of pavement improvement through the villages of Lispole, Annascaul and Camp. The road development comprises the improvement of the existing road, with 3.0m wide carriageway and 0.5m wide hard strip in each direction. It will also include a pedestrian/cycle facility on one or both sides.

Minister Donohoe said: ‘Getting to this stage in the decision making process in respect of the N86 in Kerry has taken many years. There have been many legal challenges taken during that time, with the project unable to be progressed. I am satisfied now with the outcome and with TII’s decision to make funding of almost €4 million available for works to be carried out’.

“The upgrading of theses sections of road, with the inclusion of a cycleway and improved pedestrian facilities, will enhance safety on this stretch for all road users, encourage greater tourist activity in the area, provide a valuable local amenity and add to regional connectivity. I am glad that this matter has finally been brought to conclusion and that works can commence at last on making this road safer and a better resource for everyone who uses it.”