IRELAND’S LONGEST OFF-road walking and cycling experience has arrived, with Waterford Greenway officially opening today on a glorious day of sunshine in the county.
Up to 10,000 people attended the official opening ceremony today, which saw a choir of over 60 school children perform, while the Naval Service Reserve marked the occasion by setting off a series of parachute flares.
The project cost €15 million and stretches 46km from Waterford City to Dungarvan, along the former Great Southern and Western Railway Line.
Developed by Waterford City and County Council, along with local property owners and communities, the Waterford Greenway project received funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
The route features 11 bridges, three viaducts and a 400 metre tunnel. It takes in Waterford City, Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas, Shanacool, Scartore and Dungarvan.
Minister Simon Coveney attended the official opening at the old Kilmacthomas Station House – which stands at the halfway mark of the path.
Waterford Greenway will now form part of Fáilte Ireland’s Ancient East experience, and will also feature in the Atlantic Coast Route of European cycling network EuroVelo, and will offer a new landmark to attract visitors to the region.
Mayor of Waterford, Councillor Adam Wyse said: “It is fitting that the Waterford Greenway officially opens on 25 March, exactly 50 years after the last passenger train travelled along the old railway between Dungarvan and Waterford.”
Sport Ireland chief executive, and Olympic silver medallist, John Treacy said: “Having a world-class facility like the Greenway, with its beautiful vista and fantastic amenities, will encourage and provide opportunities to people of all ages, the length and breadth of Waterford, to get out and get active”.
You can find more information on the Waterford Greenway here.
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