Kerry is to seek to declare itself an island from the rest of Ireland after councillors voted unanimously in favour of making the move.

Drivers in the Kingdom have been long suffering, according to Cllr Michael Gleeson, who put forward a motion that the county should be declared an island because of access to it.

Two bypasses - one at Adare, Co Limerick and the other was at Macroom in Co Cork – have been put on hold for years.

Kerry motorists endure hours of gridlock due to the unimproved infrastructure, and Cllr Gleeson believes investors will not come to Kerry.

"Kerry should seek island status; at least then we would have access to grant aid and special funding."

"The Adare bypass had been approved by the NRA but was shut down by An Bord Pleanála,” he said.

“Only €4m has been approved for the Macroom bypass — but how can you have half a bypass?" Cllr Gleeson asked.

His motion was seconded by Fianna Fail councillor Niall Kelleher and supported unanimously.

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