Council plans to walk the line in bid to open greenway along scenic route

Bridges and tunnels on an abandoned railway line, earmarked for a walking and cycling route on the Ring of Kerry, are to be examined to determine their structural condition.

Kerry County Council and South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP) are progressing plans for a 26km greenway on the line from Glenbeigh to Reenard, closed more than 50 years ago.

A feasibility study is being carried out and a €50,000 grant has been received from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to do a structural assessment of a viaduct at Gleesk, two railway tunnels at Mountain Stage, the railway bridge into Caherciveen and the general route itself.

The tendering process to appoint consultants to do structural examination of the Ring of Kerry route is under way and a report is due later in the year.

Kerry county manager Tom Curran said, depending on the outcome of the report, a bid would be made for state funding by mid-November.

“Projects such as these walkways are extremely difficult to deliver due to a range of conflicting viewpoints, and they can be extremely costly,’’ he said.

The council has appointed an engineer to oversee the progress of the four walks.

Independent Cllr Michael Cahill called on the council and the SKDP to engage with all land owners in relation to the Glenbeigh to Reenard greenway. “The route boasts some amazing scenery and the council should do everything to ensure this project is brought to fruition,’’ he said.