The 6 km bypass, which was constructed at a cost of €62 million and is now open to traffic, diverts over 7,000 cars each day, including about 250 heavy goods vehicles, from Listowel's downtown.

It includes 1.5 km of new roundabouts and junction upgrades along the major N69, 2.3 km of improvements to the John B. Keane Road, and 3.6 km of a new single-carriageway.

The town's traffic congestion has long been perceived as impeding the business activities of the third-largest town in the county, hence the bypass has been highly welcomed.

Locals have also praised it for enhancing accessibility and safety throughout the area, particularly between Listowel and Limerick.

The Chief Executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, as well as the local landowners who made the road's construction possible, accompanied the Taoiseach for the ceremonial inauguration.

According to Mr Harris, the bypass will significantly improve north Kerry's mobility, accessibility, business, and tourism.

The county's historic day was hailed by Kerry County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald, who also noted that "traffic congestion in Listowel has long been identified as hampering transport and commercial activity."