Greenway in Kilkenny set for partial opening next year
The South-East Greenway is currently on track to open its first two sections next year, elected members of Piltown Municipal District were recently informed.
All that stands in the way of such an opening is the completion of car parks in Rosbercon and in Glenmore.
Once those car parks are in place, the approval given for the Part 8 the project will move forward.
Cllr Fidelis Doherty spoke of her excitement at the prospect at this month’s local council meeting.
“I was part of some workshops there some months ago and it was lovely when you walk the greenway with others and cycle it,” she said.
“Even just to see it and people on it even though they shouldn’t be yet, but look let it be open and let it happen and in time the whole project will open.
“It’ll be nice to have from Rosbercon out to Glenmore open and the second lot then from Ferrybank towards Luffany in Slieverue.”
There is also promising business potential for the South-East greenway, according to the project’s new Business Development Officer, Jill Kelleher.
“We will talk to local businesses about how to develop business on the greenway,” she told councillors.
“We will also look at our marketing strategy to try to develop the greenway as one of the top greenways in Ireland.
“At the moment, we are looking at putting a plan together, looking into working with Fáilte Ireland and local tourism agencies, with the aim of putting this greenway firmly on the map.”
A gentle reminder remains in place that the greenway is still an active construction site and the public are advised not to enter the site at any point due to health & safety risks.
Upon completion, the greenway will be a 24 km off-road cycling and walking trail, the majority of which will be located in scenic County Kilkenny.