WATCH: Ribbon cut on first section of South-East Greenway connecting Kilkenny and Wexford!

The South-East lived up to its sunny reputation earlier today (Tuesday) as local residents and officials gathered under blue skies in Rosbercon to celebrate the opening of the first section of the South-East Greenway.

This newly opened section of greenway is approximately 6km in length and stretches from New Ross in County Wexford to Glenmore in South Kilkenny.

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It takes in views of the River Barrow, the Pink Rock area and the massive feat of engineering that is the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge.

The route forms part of the overall 24km South-East Greenway project, which is envisaged to be a spectacular off-road cycling, walking and wheeling greenway.

Once fully completed it will run from the quays of Waterford City to New Ross along the banks of the beautiful Barrow River, through the scenic countryside of South Kilkenny.

It will in future phases, include historic elements such as the Red Bridge and old rail tunnel at Mount Elliot and will ultimately connect to the renowned Waterford Greenway.

The South-East Greenway project is a collaborative effort from stakeholders across the entire region and that collaboration was acknowledged by Minister of State Jack Chambers at the official opening.

“The opening of the first section of the South-East Greenway represents an exciting development for the South East Region,” he said.

“The opening of this route along the River Barrow and its connection with the Waterford Greenway will come to be a valuable national tourism amenity.”

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael Doyle, noted that ‘old rail corridor is steeped in natural, built and cultural heritage, with a blend of urban in New Ross and Ferrybank and rural through the farmland of South Kilkenny’.

Cathaoirleach of Callan- Thomastown District, Cllr Deirdre Cullen, told those gathered that the greenway ‘will add so much to the tourism offering of Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford’.

Cathaoirleach of Piltown District, Cllr Ger Frisby, highlighted how the greenway will breathe new life into the communities that it passes through.

He gave special mention to his home village of Slieverue, which is to be directly connected to the greenway in the future, as well as nearby Glenmore.

“This project will be a gamechanger and open up many new opportunities for businesses in the region, and it’s already happening as we speak,” he said.