THE opening of the first phase of the Tralee-Fenit Greenway took place this afternoon, when the Fenit-Spa leg of the greenway was opened to cyclists and walkers.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD joined Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Johnnie Wall and Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney to launch the opening of the first 6.5km of greenway, allowing pedestrians and cyclists travel from Fenit to Spa and back again. The remainder of the greenway is expected to open in Autumn.
The entire 11.3 km greenway will encompass the already constructed stretch from Tralee Railway Station to the Bracker O’Regan Road.
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Welcoming the project, Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Johnnie Wall praised the work carried out by Kerry County Council staff on the project.
“It is something that has been in the pipeline for many years and to see it coming to fruition is fantastic,” he said.
“Great credit must go to everyone involved, including the Council staff who built the greenway, the landowners for their cooperation, and the Department of Transport and TII for funding the project. This, along with current and future Greenway projects in the county will be hugely beneficial for local and visitor alike and I look forward to the rest of the Greenway opening in Autumn.”
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “The Tralee to Fenit Greenway is another great example of the role Greenways can plan in connecting communities in a sustainable manner.
“This new infrastructure from Fenit to Spa is accessible to all and allows those living on this route to commute safely to school, work or other amenities by foot or bike. It also provides an attractive amenity for visitors to the area and I look forward to the delivery of the rest of the Greenway which will further support tourism and sustainable transport in the region.”
Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD said: “I am delighted to join my Cabinet Colleague Minister Ryan to officially open the Tralee to Fenit Greenway which will provide locals and visitors alike a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the delights of walking and cycling in beautiful, picturesque and safe surroundings, I would like to acknowledge the enormous effort put in by Kerry County Council, the landowners and the Department of Transport whose tireless endeavours have made all of this possible.
“Today’s launch marks a hugely significant day for Kerry and I look forward to the opening of the remainder of the Greenway which will further enhance and enrich the visitor experience.”