Kilkenny greenway proving a hit as plans for next phases gather pace
The newest stretch of the South-East Greenway has already become a popular amenity, with further sections, trailhead facilities and links now progressing through design and planning...
The opening of the newest section of the South-East Greenway has been met with a strong positive reaction locally, with walkers, runners and cyclists flocking to the route since it officially opened to the public last month.
Kilkenny County Council says the latest 7km stretch, linking Curraghmore and Abbey Road in Ferrybank, has already become a popular amenity.
Opened on June 19, the section features restored railway heritage elements as well as a striking 160-metre mural celebrating local history and landmarks, created by Street Art Ink and funded through Creative Ireland.
The artwork incorporates community-inspired images including Ferrybank Grotto, the Pope's Tower, the Carriganurra Cross, Rockville House, a Slieverue crochet sign and the Ferrybank Tidy Towns rowing boat logo.
The latest progress update, presented to members of the Piltown Municipal District, outlines the next stages of the ambitious cross-county greenway project, with further sections now advancing through design, planning and land acquisition.
Within County Kilkenny, detailed design work is continuing on the approximately 9km section between Curraghmore and Ballyverneen. Council officials say the landowner liaison team remains engaged with affected landowners to finalise design layouts and agree accommodation works.
Overall, 13km of the planned 24km South-East Greenway is now open to the public.
The update also highlights progress on several related projects intended to improve access to the greenway.
Detailed design has been completed for the South-North Access Road and Greenway Trailhead car park in Ferrybank, with construction tenders expected to be advertised in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, work has begun on the detailed design of the proposed greenway link to Glenmore, including surveys and ongoing discussions with landowners regarding the acquisition of lands required for the scheme.
The council also says efforts continue to identify funding to advance the proposed greenway link to Slieverue through detailed design, land acquisition and construction.
Looking further ahead, work is continuing on the proposed Woodstock to South-East Greenway link, also known as the Nore Valley Greenway.