Lack of funding hits Great Southern greenway plan

A lack of funding could delay the completion of a tourism greenway, the Great Southern Trail, on a disused rail line between Limerick and Kerry.

Work on a 39km section of the greenway, from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale, is completed, but a number of obstacles arose with plans to continue the route from the Kerry/Limerick border to Tralee.

Although rail and bus company CIÉ says it owns the line, a number of farmers in the north Kerry area have been claiming squatter’s rights and object to the proposed project.

A spokesman for Kerry County Council said the main obstacle was a lack of funding and resources to ensure the project progresses.

The council is in the final stages of securing from CIÉ ownership of the line, which closed in 1977. However, registration of the route could be a complex issue.

A survey by the council, last year, showed more than 80% support for the project in north Kerry, although a number of incidents took place where protesters blocked the route in 2013.

The 10km stretch from the Limerick border as far as Listowel would involve a 3m-wide tarmacadam surface and would continue to John B Keane Rd in Listowel, and onwards to the town park.

According to the council, the proposal has the potential to become a valuable recreational, economic, and social resource for the area.

The council, meanwhile, has already decided to seek compulsory purchase orders to acquire land for a 32km greenway on a disused rail line from Glenbeigh to Renard, in South Kerry. Almost €4m has been allocated for the project.

Some land owners on the route are objecting, but the council said 95% of land owners have agreed to sell some of their property.