Serious safety concerns have been raised about a key bridge serving South Kerry, after councillors questioned why it does not appear on Kerry County Council’s priority list for bridge repairs.

At the January full council meeting, councillor Maura Healy-Rae said Loo Bridge on the R569 near Poulgorm junction is deteriorating rapidly, has been struck several times by vehicles, and can no longer cope with the volume of traffic using the route.

She said the bridge is a dangerous pinch point with an inadequate diversion route.

Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae told the meeting that Loo Bridge has a steep drop below it and is extra hazardous when heavy vehicles meet, adding that temporary safety measures have already been damaged.

The issue was raised during discussion on the Council’s 2026 priority list for bridge rehabilitation, which is used to apply for Department of Transport funding.

Kerry County Council says it is responsible for around 1,700 bridges and culverts on regional and local roads, though only about 550 are currently recorded on its asset register.

Officials say that the asset list is being expanded and will include many smaller structures still being surveyed.

The council says the bridge priority list is based on factors including structural condition, traffic levels, route importance and diversion options.

Funding under the main bridge rehabilitation scheme is capped at €200,000 per project.

Cllr Maura Healy-Rae also questioned why Shronedrough Bridge, between Glenflesk and Barraduff, is not included, despite previous funding and known structural problems.

Council officials said both bridges are well known to them but that major works cannot be funded under the standard bridge rehabilitation scheme due to cost caps.

They confirmed alternative funding options, including the Specific Improvement Grant, are being examined, though demand for that funding is also high.

WEB:

No.
Road Number
Bridge Name & Location
Municipal District
Works Description
3 L4047 Gearha South, Blackwater, Templenoe Kenmare Full deck replacement required. Design, environmental reports and Section 177AE application to be submitted. 4 R568 Gearha Boston Bridge, Templenoe Kenmare Masonry rehabilitation works required. Subject to NIS approval, with planning to commence works in 2026. 5 L2010 Ballard, Tralee Tralee Consultant procured in 2025. Full bridge replacement potentially required. Design work currently under way. 6 L11161 Beheenagh Bridge, Barraduff Killarney Masonry rehabilitation works required. 7 L2033 Leamnguilla Bridge, Farranfore Castleisland – Corca Dhuibhne / Killarney Masonry rehabilitation works required. 8 L1000 Kilconly Bridge, Kilconly, Ballybunion Listowel Masonry rehabilitation works required. 9 L2028 Glauntaunyalkeen Bridge, Lyrecrompane Castleisland – Corca Dhuibhne Masonry and riverbed rehabilitation works required. 10 L6550 Gortatlea Bridge, Tralee Castleisland – Corca Dhuibhne Rehabilitation works to concrete abutments required. 11 L2031 Ballahantouragh Bridge, Ballahantouragh, Cordal Castleisland – Corca Dhuibhne Steel rehabilitation in deck required, possibly a full deck replacement. 12 L11643 Letter West, Glenbeigh Kenmare Masonry rehabilitation works required. 13 L10102 Keel Bridge, Lixnaw Listowel Steel rehabilitation in deck required. 14 L6081 Rathscannel Bridge, Abbeydorney Listowel Masonry rehabilitation works required. 15 L4039 Gearha Beaufort Kenmare Steel rehabilitation in deck required, possibly a full deck replacement. 16 L7015 Coolick Bridge, Kilcummin S50 Killarney Culvert replacement and masonry rehabilitation works required. 17 L4038 Lawlors Bridge, Killorglin Kenmare Masonry rehabilitation works required. 18 L7042 Ballinamanagh, Kilcummin Killarney Located in SAC. Repair or replacement of bridge steel beams and deck slab, and rebuild of east parapet.

Kerry County Council says funding priorities may change where emergency works are required following severe weather events.

The Council says Foildarrig Bridge has been submitted for preliminary design funding under the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Grant and is intended to transfer to the Specific Improvement Grant programme for construction funding.

It adds that works at the Gap of Dunloe and at Listry Bridge are being progressed under the Specific Improvement Grant funding stream.