The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The Tralee Northern Relief Road is one of the limited number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan. Implementation of the project is the responsibility of Kerry County Council. Phase 1 connecting the R878 Oakpark Road and the R556 Abbeydorney Road is underway at present and is scheduled for completion in 2024. This project includes provision for a 2.0 metre wide cycle lane on both sides of the road.