Opening of greenway section in Kilkenny now imminent
Minor finishing works are currently being completed on the 6km ‘phase two’ section of the greenway between Curraghmore and Ferrybank in South Kilkenny
The next phase of the South-East Greenway is expected to open imminently as the final section of enabling works at Waterford's North Quays development is nearing completion (although an official opening date has yet to be set).
An update presented to members of Piltown Municipal District last week confirmed that minor finishing works are currently being completed on the 6km ‘phase two’ section of the greenway between Curraghmore and Ferrybank in South Kilkenny, which has already reached substantial completion.
However, the official opening of the route remains dependent on the completion of works within the North Quays development, which will provide access to the southern end of the greenway via the North Quays and Abbey Road intersection.
According to the latest update, the North Quays works are now substantially complete, with snagging and finishing works ongoing.
The greenway team said it continues to engage with Waterford City and County Council regarding the final completion date for the project.
Once that work is completed, users will be able to access the southern end of the greenway via the North Quays and Abbey Road intersection, creating an important connection point for walkers and cyclists travelling from Kilkenny into Waterford.
The latest progress report shows that significant portions of the wider South-East Greenway project are also advancing.
Within County Kilkenny, the design team is advancing detailed plans for the approximately 9km section between Curraghmore and Ballyverneen.
Landowner engagement remains a key element of the process, with liaison teams continuing discussions with affected property owners to finalise route layouts and agree accommodation works required along the corridor.
Council officials say this engagement will remain ongoing as the project moves through the detailed design stage.
Elsewhere, work has commenced on the detailed design of a proposed greenway link to Glenmore. Survey work is currently being procured and discussions with landowners will continue as plans progress and land requirements become clearer.
Meanwhile, efforts are continuing to identify funding opportunities for a proposed greenway link to Slieverue. The project team is seeking financial support to allow the scheme to progress through design, land acquisition and eventual construction.
Progress is also being made on plans for the Woodstock to South-East Greenway connection, known as the Nore Valley Greenway.
The design team is currently working through a range of requirements under Transport Infrastructure Ireland's Project Management Guidelines as they advance the project.