Waterford to Mount Elliott Greenway to cost over €13m

THE expected cost of the New Ross to Waterford Greenway has risen to €13.2m, but the amenity route could generate multiples of the sum, tourism operators were told at a packed meeting in Fethard-on-Sea.

At the Hook Tourism AGM New Ross district director Eamonn Hore said he is confident work will begin on the greenway, along with the Red Bridge greenway spur to Mount Elliott, next year.

Mr Hore said the New Ross, Red Bridge and Rosslare to Waterford greenways will be a game changer for the district, adding that planning will be sought for the three greenways next year.

The Red Bridge greenway stretches 5km from Rosbercon across the Red Bridge through Mount Elliott tunnel, looping back into New Ross via Cherry’s Road. ‘For €400,000 we could bring back into use a bridge that would have cost €25m if it was built today. The tunnel is 700 yards short of a mile.’

The 22km walking and cycling route connecting Ferrybank to New Ross along a disused railway line has been approved for approved Part 8 planning. The Rosbercon ‘Red Bridge’ section now needs to be approved for planning by Wexford County Council and with major funding for greenways over 20km in length about to be announced in the coming weeks, excitement is building about the project which is on CIE land. A further greenway from New Ross to St Mullins is being advanced also.

‘We have already carried out a feasibility study to see if that can be added.’

He said the New Ross to Waterford greenway would cost €8.7m and runs 22 km long. The Red Bridge greenway would cost €4.5m.

The new EuroVelo route connecting south west Wexford with the UK, France, Holland and the Scandinavian countries is another boost for the area.

‘Fáilte Ireland are very much taken with what we are trying to do in this part of the world,’ Mr Hore said.

He said high quality signs made by Kent’s steel in Wexford have been erected along the route. A river cruise connecting New Ross and Waterford is also planned.

‘We are also applying for a pontoon in New Ross so it can berth there.’

He said the 56km Rosslare Harbour to Waterford greenway will bring tourists into south west Wexford.

‘We are hoping to go to construction on the New Ross to Waterford greenway in 2019, having submitted an application in late November. The Red Bridge section will be sought also. Ultimately we’re looking at a link to St Mullins, which would cost €5.6m and stretch some 12km.’