Video: New spectacular Irish Greenway opens with a bang

Video: New spectacular Irish Greenway opens with a bang

Video: New spectacular Irish Greenway opens with a bang

It's finally opened and it looks like a game changer. Hopefully its success will lead to more greenways all over the country (Photo with thanks to Keith Doyle)

 

Years in the planning and construction and with €15 million invested to make it happen, the Waterford Greenway has finally opened.

The local council has already identified the need for more car park spaces as walkers and cyclists have flocked to the 46km route in recent months before the launch.

It is Ireland’s longest greenway and as you’ll see from the photos and videos from yesterday’s launch, below, the sunny south east lived up to its name.

It was a case of sunshine and blue skies all the way as thousands of people flocked into the area.

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The amenity is to be marketed both in Ireland and abroad as part of the new ‘Ancient East’. It will seek to replicate the success of the Wild Atlantic Way in the west.

Determined to make the most of the new cycleway, Waterford County Council has decided to commission an oral history project of all of the points of interest along the way.

It is hoped the framing of the stories along the greenway route will add a living history to it that will appeal to visitors from overseas and indeed for those from other parts of Ireland not familiar with the history of the region.

The new greenway stretches from the outskirts of Waterford City to Dungarvan. It follows the former Great Southern and Western Railway line.

The route hugs the coast for a long stretch, offering spectacular sea views. And because the path was effectively set out by the old railway lines, the construction was made easier.

The surface is off excellent quality, making it perfect for cycling.

Yesterday the opening ceremony took place at the old Kilmacthomas Station House, the half way point on the trail.

Waterford City and County Council said the up to 10,000 people turned out for the opening.

The mayor of Waterford, Cllr Adam Wyse, said the greenway was a game changer for tourism in the area.

“The Greenway is a wonderful asset for the South East. The trail will be an invaluable tourism draw for the region, where visitors, either on foot or by bike, can take in spectacular views, from the Comeragh mountains to the Copper Coast,” he said.

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Simon Coveney, who is from Waterford, said greenway was “world class”.

launched the greenway on behalf of the government.

“It will provide a boost to the local economy, along with offering leisure, health, transportation and environmental benefits,” he said.

“A shining example for future projects of its kind across the country, the Waterford Greenway highlights Ireland’s focus on promoting sustainable tourism.”

 

RTE TV news report

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