Minister Launches New Phase Of Tralee-Fenit Greenway

Posted by

TT ad Apr-Jun

MINISTER of State at the Department of for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Alan Kelly, was in town last Friday to  officially launch the new Phase of the Tralee-Fenit Greenway (Casements Railway Station-Rock Street section) as part of the National Cycle Network.

The launch was held in the green area of Casement’s Avenue and while there he took the opportunity to announce that CIE has agreed to divest it unused railway lands in the county to Kerry County Council, land which will allow for the completion of not only the Tralee to Fenit Greenway but also the extension of the Great Southern Trail into Kerry.

The completion of this section of the Tralee-Fenit route will see all of the former railway in Tralee back in use for transport, and will provide a direct link for the population along it with Kerry’s main transportation hub.

It will also connect with the short ‘Big River Path’ to provide students of Tralee CBS with a dedicated safe off-road route to their school.

Labour TD, Arthur J. Spring welcomed the decision by the board of Iarnród Eireann to transfer the ownership of the closed railway line on which the proposed greenway is to be developed between Tralee and Fenit to Kerry County Council as he believes that the progression of the project has taken a leap forward.

“The proposed development of the greenway would have very positive effect on the local community by promoting a healthy lifestyle and would serve as a huge draw for tourists,” said Deputy Spring. “I have worked hard in relation to greenway projects and have constantly reminded Labour Minister Alan Kelly of the enormous benefit that the completed greenways would have on the local communities in Kerry.”

“The decision by the board of Irish Rail to give ownership of the relevant line to Kerry County Council will allow the project to be prioritised. The transfer of ownership will facilitate the further development of the route and it is on this ground that CIE/IE support the transfer.

“This is a good week for the Tralee/Fenit greenway. Minister Alan Kelly confirmed the allocation of €345,00 required for the section of the way between the train station and Rock Street on Friday,” he added.

Deputy Spring believes that this transfer will set a precedent and will assist with Kerry County Council taking ownership of the 28 mile section of the former North Kerry line which links up with the already developed Great Southern Trail in County Limerick.

rsz_minister_tralee_fenit_greenway

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Alan Kelly, with Deputy Arthur Spring, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council John Brassil, fellow councillors and local residents at the launch of Phase 2 of the Tralee-Fenit Greenway on Friday at Casement’s Avenue.

Comments are closed.

image