Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
105. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to examine a dangerous junction in Farranfore village, County Kerry, at the point where the Currow road and the Firies/Castlemaine road meet with the main Killarney/Tralee road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15294/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question.
As Minister, I have overall responsibility for the allocation of exchequer funding for national roads. As part of the annual allocations process for national roads, TII prepare an allocations booklet listing funding for each project in the coming year. Allocations for 2026 were announced last week.
As part of the 2026 allocations, approximately €34 million in exchequer funding was allocated to Kerry County Council for National Roads. This represents an increase of almost €20 million for Kerry when compared to 2025.
With regard to the junction referred to by the Deputy, it is my understanding that Kerry County Council are preparing a feasibility and options report for improving the junction, which will be submitted to TII. Based on this report, it will be for TII to make any decision regarding funding based on the prioritisation process which takes place between TII and local authorities.
A number of road projects in the current NDP have already been delivered, including the Listowel Bypass which opened in 2024.
The recently announced allocations for 2026 will allow many new roads projects to proceed. This includes an allocation of €2 million for the N22 Farranfore to Killarney project, for which a preferred route has been selected. This project would deliver safety improvements to the N22 between Farranfore and Killarney, along with providing a bypass of Killarney. Furthermore, the preferred route would bypass the centre of Farranfore village, including the junction which is of concern to the Deputy. The project is now proceeding through the Design and Environmental Evaluation Phase. This includes identifying the land take requirements and the detailed design for the project. Following this, a Preliminary Business Case will be prepared for consideration as is required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
I hope this information is of assistance to you.
