Minister Killeen to officially open Castleisland Bypass

The 5.5km road bypasses Castleisland to the west of the town and links the N23 Killarney Road at Clashganniv to the N21 Limerick Road at Dooneen, via the N21 Tralee Road at Knockannagore.

The Limerick Road-Tralee Road section consists of 3.4km of Type 2 Dual Carriageway. A single-carriageway links the N21 Tralee Road to the N23 Killarney Road.

Construction work on the €34m project started on the Bypass by BAM Civil in May 2009, and was due to finish in December 2010. However, good weather conditions in 2010 and a strong push by the contractors saw the Bypass finish well ahead of schedule.

‘I am delighted at the progress of the Castleisland Bypass over the past 15 months, and it is terrific to be able to open it before Christmas,” Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Pat Leahy stated. ‘It is no secret that the town of Castleisland has suffered from chronic traffic congestion and the opening of the Bypass will benefit the town hugely. To be finished two months ahead of schedule is a fantastic achievement, and I want to pay credit to BAM Civil, contractors on the project, Jacobs Engineering and RPS of Cork.’

‘I also want to pay particular credit to the staff of the Kerry National Road Design Office in Castleisland. Matt Corridan and his staff put in a huge effort to ensure that this project was ready to get off the ground when funding became available, and their efforts have also helped to bring the project through in time and on budget. The people of Castleisland must also get huge credit for their efforts in keeping the Castleisland Bypass in the spotlight and in pushing for the project to start.’

The Castleisland Bypass is projected to divert 70% of all traffic from the town centre. Over three-quarters of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will also be diverted from the Town Centre.