Two parts of the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways network were officially opened last week by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD. The 16km Listowel to Abbeyfeale Greenway and the 11km Tralee to Fenit Greenway, which follow the route of former railway lines, are now fully open to walkers and cyclists.The new projects in Kerry were funded by the Department of Transport and delivered by Kerry County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
In a joint statement, Cathaoirleach of Listowel Municipal District, Cllr Aoife Thornton and the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy, said: “This is a historic day for the county. The opening of new two greenway routes not only enhances the reputation of Kerry as a prime location for walking and cycling infrastructure, it also greatly enhances our tourism offering as well as the local economy.
“We can look forward in anticipation to the development of a new link between these two greenways as well as the development of the South Kerry Greenway and the linking of the various routes which will enable users to enjoy the county’s beautiful landscape,” they said.
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said: “We have allocated approximately €60m for Greenways alone this year as well as over €285m in walking and cycling infrastructure around the country to enable people to safely choose to walk or cycle instead of using the car.
Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell said: “I want to acknowledge the support of the Department of Transport in funding these greenways and I want to thank local landowners and local communities for their cooperation and support. I also thank the staff of Kerry County Council who have worked for so many years to develop these essential amenities.”
photo credit Valerie O Sullivan