The long-mooted south Kerry greenway has today been approved by An Bord Pleanála, paving the way for the 32km greenway along the former Ring of Kerry railway line.
While some landowners had objected to the project, Kerry County Council now has approval for the compulsory purchase of just over 220 pieces of land from owners in almost 30 areas on the route.
The new project, which was thrashed out in an oral planning hearing last year, will cost over €20m and aside from traversing some really spectacular countryside it will also incorporate iconic landmarks.
Cyclist and walkers on the greenway will get to cross the
Caherciveen rail bridge and Gleensk viaduct while the Drung Hill tunnels are
also part of the route.
An Bord Pleanála has said the project, first launch in
2014, was in the public interest and would bring “economic regeneration” to the
area.
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The 32km cycleway will start in Renard Point, which is
near Caherciveen and from where the Valentia Island ferry departs, and take
walkers and cyclists all the way to Glenbeigh.
The 3-metre wide paved surface will have grass verges either side and will be fenced off.
Like the Waterford Greenway, the Kerry Greenway will also follow the path of a disused rail line.
Last operational in 1960, the disused Great Southern
& Western line ran from Farranfore and Valentia Island harbour.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen, said he was “delighted that An Bord Pleanála has given this project the green light”.
"This greenway will bring huge tourism, social and
economic benefits to the entire south Kerry area and I look forward to its
construction at the earliest opportunity," he said.
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