The Waterford Greenway has attracted cyclists in greater numbers than walkers. It has now won two major awards and is credited with transforming Waterford and boosting the local economy.

Waterford Greenway cycle route wins top award

Having been a runaway success and attracted more cyclists than walkers since it opened, the Waterford Greenway has scooped two major awards.

It was named Ireland’s Best Tourism Initiative at the All Ireland Community and Council Awards.

And it also took the overall Grand Prix Award. It is presented to the project with the highest marks from the judges across all categories.

The recognition underlines the success of the project and hopefully bodes well for more investment in cycling tourism.

Research published in December revealed almost 250,000 people had visited the Greenway.

Of those, 141,906 have cycled on the greenway since it opened last March. Cycling visits were much higher than those by walkers.

Some 105,639 had walked some or all of the greenway, according to the same research.

First ride of the year on the #waterfordgreenway #deisegreenway pic.twitter.com/dz025APKq3

— Matt Coxall (@Matt_C82) January 7, 2018

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Michael Walsh, chief executive of Waterford City and County Council, said the 46km greenway had been a major success.

And he believed the awards it had won reflected how much it had added to the south east.

"We’ve developed the greenway and they have come in their droves,” he said.

“The Waterford Greenway has transformed this county. There is no doubt about that. The economic benefits are evident everywhere you go.

"Coffee shops, hotels and other accommodation providers, bars, shops, restaurants, bike hire companies and more all reporting a boom in trade.

“But the real winners are the people of Waterford who have been such great greenway ambassadors.

The council's trails officer, Johnny Brunnock, said the project had proven "incredible"

“It has given us all such a lift in so many ways," he said. "Over 250,000 people have already visited the Waterford Greenway.

"And the economic, social, sporting and other benefits it has brought are simply unbelievable.

"It’s brilliant to see so many local people, visiting families, adult groups, clubs and societies using the greenway and spending time in Waterford."

The Waterford Greenway runs from Waterford City to Dungarvan.

It stretches along the River Suir, Mount Congreve Gardens and to Kilmacthomas.

It crosses 11 bridges, three viaducts and, as a former rail line, also features a 400m long tunnel.

A large portion follows the coastline. And there are spectacular views of the Comeragh Mountains, Copper Coast and Dungarvan Bay.