‘Huge potential there’: Multiple Kilkenny greenway projects to progress in 2026

Increased options for cycling and walking routes are set to be delivered in the coming months and years

Published 6th Dec 2025, 15:30 BST South East Greenway Increased options for cycling and walking routes are set to be delivered in the coming months and years Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.

Several greenway developments will either be completed or move closer to opening in the coming year including the major South East Greenway from New Ross to Waterford.

At a Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) meeting this week, Senior Engineer in the Projects and Park Office, Frank Stafford, updated members on the status of the development which is a joint initiative between local authorities in Kilkenny , Waterford and Wexford.

Phase one, a 6km stretch linking New Ross and Glenmore, was finished in July 2023 while the second phase, a further 14km between Ferrybank and Curraghmore, is set to open in Q1 of 2026.

The third phase will connect Curraghmore with Glenmore and the final section will include Redbridge and Mount Elliott Tunnel, features which Mr Stafford said would be “showpieces for the greenway”.

Phases three and four are in the detail design stage and the entire project is estimated for completion in 2028.

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Challenges highlighted included the fact that 90% of the greenway is located in County Kilkenny but there are no urban settlements along the route, leaving the need to develop links to nearby towns in order to maximise the economic benefits of the project.

In response to these issues, connectivity links between Slieverue and Glenmore with the main route are planned to bring visitors into these towns. Funding has been secured from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) with consultants appointed and discussions ongoing with landowners about access to farmland for the path.

Elsewhere, the proposed 20km Nore Valley Greenway linking Inistioge/Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum to the South East Greenway near New Ross has been moved to phase two, options selection, with Mr Stafford calling it a “gamechanger” if delivered.

Chairperson of the Committee, Cllr Michael Doyle, praised the presentation saying “there’s huge potential there” and “it shows the want and the need for those outdoor pursuits”.

Related topics: Greenway Inistioge Woodstock Gardens Slieverue Glenmore New Ross Waterford Kilkenny County Council Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.