11 bridges, 3 viaducts, 1 Greenway
THE country’s longest off-road walking and cycling route will officially open today.
The €15million Waterford Greenway stretches 46km from Waterford city to Dungarvan using the old Great Southern and Western railway line, which was last used for passengers 50 years ago.
Featuring 11 bridges, three viaducts and a 400metre tunnel, it takes in Waterford city, Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas, Shanacool, Scartore and Dungarvan.
The major tourism initiative is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Ancient East experience and is already included in European cycling network EuroVelo, on its Atlantic Coast section.
The official opening will take place at the old Kilmacthomas Station House, with Minister for Local Government Simon Coveney due to attend. Also present will be chief executive of Sport Ireland, Olympic silver medallist John Treacy. The Waterford native said participation in physical activity is ‘vitally important’. ‘Having a worldclass facility like the Greenway, with its beautiful vista and fantastic amenities, will provide opportunities to people to get out and get active.’
Mayor of Co. Waterford Adam Wyse said it was fitting that the route was opening exactly 50 years after the last passenger train on the line. He said: ‘The Waterford Greenway is steeped in history and natural heritage and I’m delighted to see it now re-imagined into an amenity.’