High Court ruling on South Kerry Greenway signals shift in perceptions of sustainable travel

This decision will be closely studied by other councils and statutory bodies planning to develop greenways or other forms of active travel infrastructure, where lands may need to be acquired

Part of the route for the proposed South Kerry Greenway. The High Court decision allowing for the project to go ahead may have far-reaching effects for future greenway and active travel infrastructure projects in Ireland. File picture

The decision of the High Court last week to dismiss judicial reviews against the South Kerry Greenway will come as good news for Kerry County Council, which is developing the project, and for those who have worked over many years to have a greenway installed, primarily on the route of the former southern and western railway line between Glenbeigh and Caherciveen. 

The proposed greenway runs parallel to the Ring of Kerry,  a tourist route of international renown. The High Court decision may also have far-reaching effects for future greenway and active travel infrastructure projects in Ireland.