Minister Alan Kelly turns first sod on €4m ‘ greenway’ route

Public transport minister Alan Kelly has officially turned the first sod on a new, near €4 million ‘greenway’ in Kerry.

The South Kerry Greenway primarily a cycling route — will be one of the most iconic attractions of its kind in Europe, he predicted.

Min. Alan Kelly turned the sod on the South Kerry Greenway in Cahirciveen today, with Cathaoirleach John Brassil pic.twitter.com/XRdmpw62LK

— Kerry County Council - Comhairle Contae Chiarraí (@countykerry) June 20, 2014

Being constructed on a disused railway line which cuts through mountain tunnels and crosses a viaduct, it will run for more than 30km from Rossbeigh to Reenard, along the Ring of Kerry route.

The scenic greenway is estimated to create 90 full-time jobs in the region due to increased tourism activities.

Mr Kelly said construction is set to start in the coming months on phase one of the project — the section linking Cahirciveen to Reenard.

This section, known as the 5.75km Fertha greenway, will also provide a link with Valentia Island and will create an innovative loop.

“I see this greenway featuring on Lonely Planet’s best things to do, in time. It is truly iconic and I have no doubt it will bring cyclists to the Ring of Kerry from all over Europe,” Mr Kelly said.

Turning the sod on Glenbeigh to Valentia Greenway in #kerry, will be world renowned & iconic when completed! @labour pic.twitter.com/ju1sfeKE1a

— Alan Kelly TD (@alankellylabour) June 20, 2014

The €3.9m allocated to the project will easily pay for itself in time by generating substantial revenue and employment, he added. “Once complete in 2016, I have no doubt that the South Kerry Greenway will be considered one of the top cycling tourism attractions in the world,” he stated.

“Cycling and cycling tourism are taking off immeasurably. You only have to see the experience of the greenway in Mayo where cyclists and families from all over Ireland come to cycle the greenway,” Mr Kelly said.