Study identifies six possible routes to link Tipperary Blueway with Waterford Greenway

Six possible routes for an amenity walk and cycleway connecting the Suir Blueway at its finish point in Carrick-on-Suir to the Waterford Greenway have been identified in a feasibility study conducted into the proposal.

That’s what Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District councillors were told at their December meeting in Carrick-on-Suir Town Hall.
Carrick-on-Suir Sinn Féin Cllr David Dunne asked for an update on the progress of the feasibility study into connecting the two hugely popular amenity routes at the meeting and was informed by Director of Services Brian Beck that the study was currently with Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Mr Beck said the Council received comments back from the TII about the study in October and the Council has requested the TII for permission to sign off on the report and move forward with starting a public consultation process next year so that meetings can begin with relevant landowners.

“Right now we are just waiting for the final confirmation from the TII that they are happy with the study,” Mr Beck reported.
Carrick-on-Suir Fianna Fáil Cllr Kieran Bourke asked if Mr Beck was confident this project was viable and that it will be achieved.

Mr Beck replied that they have identified six possible routes to connect the two amenity trails but stressed there was still a lot of work to be done.

He admitted the delay with TII was frustrating but explained the transport agency didn’t want to move forward too fast without making sure that all issues were dealt with and that the project can get through the planning process.

Mr Beck pointed out that challenges were mounted against similar projects in other parts of the country and the TII was being

rigorous with this project and wanted to be sure all issues were addressed in the event it was challenged.

“I would have liked it to be faster but what I would say is this will be the first linking of a Blueway and Greenway in the country and it would be a significant priority for the TII.

“There would be significant public investment as well. We just have to do it the right way and not make any mistakes.”

Cllr Dunne agreed it was important to get the project right the first time.

Tipperary County Council has been the lead authority for the feasibility study into developing the trail connecting the Blueway route along the banks of the Suir between Clonmel and Sean Healy Park in Carrick and the Waterford Greenway that runs along the old rail line between Dungarvan and Waterford.

The feasibility study was begun in August 2022 and was funded by the TII, which is the national approving authority for Greenways.

Tipperary Co. Council’s Active Travel team has worked with the TII, Waterford City & County Council, Kilkenny County Council and Tobin’s Consulting Engineers on the study.