Coghlan appeals to An Taisce to withdraw request for judicial review on N86

“Like all reasonable people, I am saddened and disturbed at what is happening regarding the upgrade of the N86 Tralee to Dingle road, one of the most important tourist routes in the country, and I would appeal to An Taisce to withdraw its request for a judicial review in order to allow this much needed development to go ahead”, says Paul Coghlan, Government Chief Whip in the Seanad and Fine Gael Senator for Kerry.

“In the interests of safety and sanity, I am calling on An Taisce to withdraw its judicial review opposing the decision of An Bord Pleanála, which is the final arbiter.   An Bord Pleanála makes its decisions based on the inspectorates reports and all relevant information, and they have given approval for the upgrade to go ahead.

“This is an extremely important issue to the people of Tralee, Dingle and the entire Peninsula many of whom took to the streets at the weekend to protest. Traffic on this route is increasing, there are more tourist coaches and cars, goods vehicles are travelling this road and with an increased emphasis on regional jobs, more business traffic can be expected to the new IDA buildings at Kerry Park in Tralee.

“A €65 million plan has been approved to widen and straighten the N86 Tralee to Dingle road and to provide cycle lanes. Removing hairpin bends will make travel easier and safer for tourists. This work would also benefit locals whose road networks should be up to standard so they can get to work, travel to hospitals and go about their daily business.

“Garda statistics show that this is a very dangerous stretch of road with a high number of incidents. I am in agreement with locals who dispute An Taisce’s claim that this upgrade will have a negative environmental impact. The people of Kerry have maintained the heritage and landscape of the area for generations. We recognise its importance and value. However in this case it is clear that a safer road network is needed.

“The N86 Tralee to Dingle road is not a new road. It is already in place and all we want to do is to make it safer. An Bord Pleanála is happy with the plans and I again appeal to An Taisce to withdraw their request for judicial review and to allow the upgrade to go ahead without further delay.”