Work to extend the Waterford Greenway has just begun and while it will take 18 months to complete, the new extension and enhancement will pave the way for greenway links into other areas of the south east.
Waterford City and County Council said the construction works that commenced in recent days would facilitate the future link to New Ross, which is currently at construction phase. Furthermore, the council said the current extension and enhancement work would also lead to links to Rosslare and Tramore.
The work that has just started will extend the Waterford Greenway from Bilberry to Waterford city centre and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023.
The 2.1km stretch will effectively extend the greenway into the city centre and lead to a much better quality walking and cycling route than that currently in place.
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The Waterford Greenway is already 46km long and links the outskirts of the city to Dungarvan. Opened in 2017, it was built along the former Great Southern and Western Railway Line and has proven one of the most popular tourism attractions in the country.
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The €6.8m contract, for the extension and other enhancement work, has been awarded to John Craddock Ltd. Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Kelly, said it was a crucial part of the greenway's development.
“The greenway has breathed new life into the city and county and the fact that this extension will give users a more comfortable cycling and walking experience is to be welcomed,” he said.
“Having recently being recognised as the second best Greenway in Europe, at the 10th European Greenway Awards, just reinforces what we already know - the Waterford Greenway is an amazing amenity and the envy of many cities and countries in Europe.
“The extension from Bilberry to the City Centre will enable users to extend their journey from Dungarvan right into the heart of Waterford city, and eventually onto Tramore and New Ross.
“The collaboration and cooperation of the region’s local authorities in consolidating the Greenway network is testament to the significance in which the greenway is held as a valuable tourist attraction and a means to promote leisure and encourage active movement.”
