Funding update for Killarney Cycling Network plan

By Sean Moriarty

One year ago last week, Kerry County Council and the Killarney Municipal District revealed plans for an ambitious cycle lane network in Killarney town centre.

At a recent Killarney Municipal District meeting, officials revealed further details of the plan.

Detailed design drawings and tender documents are being prepared for each section of the project and funding from the National Transport Authority (NTA) has been allocated.

ROCK ROAD

It is proposed to build two cycle lanes, one at each side of the road, linking Cleeney Roundabout with the Rock Rd/New Rd/St Anne’s Rd/High St junction. A total of €704,835 has been allocated to this section.

ARDSHANAVOOLY

Another new cycleway will be constructed inside the treeline at the front of the Ardshanavooly Estate.
Construction challenges are expected at the roundabout that serves as the entrance to the Deerpark Shopping Centre and Pinewood Estate. A total of €113,500 has been allocated for this portion.

DEERPARK

The new cycleway will continue from Park Road, along Arbutus Drive to serve the shopping centre, the Gael Scoil and the entrance to Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre. Additional cycle paths will be constructed to allow residents of Pinewood Estate join the full network, once completed. €781,165 has been allocated for this portion.

LEWIS RD

The Lewis Road plan will be slightly different in the sense that it will have a two-way cycle path on just one side of the road. The dual cycleway is proposed on the Fitzgerald Stadium side of Lewis Road.
Funding details for this section were not published but works are likely to be considered in the overall Lewis Road plan, including its junction with the bypass and its junction with College St.

“It is recommended that the [College St/Lewis Rd] junction should be upgraded, with enhanced pedestrian facilities, to improve the provision for vulnerable users,” said a Council report.