South Kerry Greenway highlights potential of disused railways

Fine Gael Kerry TD and Member of the Oireachtas Transport and Communications Committee, Brendan Griffin has, today (Friday), welcomed the sod turning on the Cahersiveen to Renard Greenway.

“The South Kerry Greenway, from Glenbeigh to Renard, has the potential to be a world class greenway. This will be a fantastic local amenity and add to Kerry’s tourism offering.

“I am also extremely pleased that CIE have agreed to sign over disused railway lines from Tralee to Fenit and from Listowel to the Limerick border near Kilmorna. For many years, throughout my time in the county council and as a TD, I have used every opportunity to advocate the potential of disused railways.

“This week I intend during Transport Ministers’ questions, to raise the issue of future funding provision for these routes and to discuss the feasibility of other abandoned railways in Kerry. There are routes waiting to be used that have a lot to offer to communities.

“The South Kerry Greenway is being constructed on an iconic and breathtakingly scenic old railway line and it is estimated it will bring 90 full time jobs to the South Kerry region through increased tourism activities.

“Construction is set to start in the coming months on the section linking Cahirciveen to Renard. This section of the greenway, known as the Fertha greenway, will link Cahersiveen town with Renard point, where a ferry links the mainland with Valentia Island.

“Cycling and cycling tourism are growing across Ireland but the potential to attract these types of visitors is even greater in Kerry. I am delighted that the wheel is turning now on the South Kerry Greenway but there are other disused railways that can be upgraded in the same way and this is an issue I intend to pursue. We owe it to our ancestors, who toiled and sweated to build these railways, to make the most of the valuable resources that are still there today.”