'Lovely addition' to South East Greenway  - News - Waterford News & Star

Works continue on the South East Greenway, as an estimated 13km of the 24km project is now open to the public

The new Greenway opening in Ferrybank leads to the new train station. Photo: Steve Thwaites

Caroline Spencer Works continue on the South East Greenway, as an estimated 13km of the 24km project is now open to the public.

Last month, access points linking the Greenway to Ferrybank officially opened. At a recent meeting of the Piltown Municipal District, Councillor Fidelis Doherty welcomed the opening of the Ferrybank access points.

The Fine Gael councillor said: "Just to welcome the additional 100 meters of Greenway there from Ferrybank, it brings you in to the back of the transport hub so that brings in the network of roads there and it's a lovely addition."

She added: "Another piece of the jigsaw and it's moving on into the North Quays location."

Director of Services for Kilkenny County Council Ian Gardner informed local councillors about the latest progress on the Greenway.

He said: "The design team have completed the detailed design for both the South–North Link Road and Greenway Trailhead Carpark. Contract documents for construction work are expected shortly."

He continued: "The design team are continuing work on the detail design on the Greenway link to Glenmore. As the detailed design progresses, discussions with the affected landowners will continue with regard to the acquisition of lands required to deliver the project.

"As part of this project, a Section 38 planning application is currently at public consultation for the Pink Rock Loop, which will offer users a scenic alternative to the Greenway following the banks of the River Barrow and crossing under the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge."

Kilkenny County Council are identifying potential funding streams for the Greenway link into Slieverue.

For the Woodstock to South East Greenway Link (Nore Valley Greenway), the Council are engaging with landowners on the scheme. Mr. Gardner said: "The design team are progressing various deliverables required under the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) Project Management Guidelines Phase Two option selection. Engagement with respect to landowners and their representatives continues.

"Following consultation and landowner engagement, a preferred route corridor option will be proposed, and a further public consultation will be held on this preferred route corridor."