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The Dale Road.
A CANDIDATE in the upcoming local elections has called for the Council to rethink closing a 2.2km stretch of the Tralee-Ballybunion Road to two-way traffic from the end of this month.
Aontú Candidate in the Listowel Electoral Area, Sonny Foran, called for a Council to halt the proposed traffic diversion through Killahan to accommodate the proposed roadworks on the Dale Road which links Ballybunion/Ballyduff to Tralee via Abbeydorney.
Kerry County Council has stated that the one-way system will come into operation at the end of the month and will remain in place until construction begins on the road, which is expected to be next year.
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The road will close to northbound traffic from the Tralee side. Motorists will have to veer left to Killahan after coming out of Abbeydorney and join the main road again at Ballinclogher Cross. Motorists travelling south from Ballybunion/Ballyduff will use the road as normal.
Mr Foran — who has a background in large construction projects — said that the Killahan detour is highly unsuitable for large vehicles, which could result in accidents.
He said that he has been contacted in the last few days by irate residents and commuters who are not in favour of this proposal.
He said a Stop/Go traffic light controlled system would be a viable alternative. Foran also stated that €300k is a very small amount as this will be swallowed up by the costs associated with preparatory work. Mr. Foran has asked the Council to provide full costings along with a definite start date.
The Dale Road (Rathscannell), located on the R556 between Abbeydorney and Ballyduff, has been the scene of many accidents over the years.
Upgrading works are scheduled to start next year but detailed investigations are necessary before construction begins due to the nature of the ground and to mitigate against any potential risks in construction.
