South East Greenway Phase 1 officially opened

County Wexford Chamber
South East Greenway

The official opening of Phase 1 of the South East Greenway took place on Tuesday, 25 July, at the Greenway car park in Rosbercon. Along with national and local politicians and dignitaries, the opening was attended by County Wexford President Brendan Crowley, Vice President Lorcan Kinsella, and other Board members.

This project commenced in 2018 and is funded by the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Wexford County Council, Kilkenny County Council, and Waterford City and County Council.

Jack Chambers T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, carried out the official opening.

Minister of State Jack Chambers T.D. (centre), pictured with County Wexford Chamber president Brendan Crowley (left) and vice president Lorcan Kinsella (right).

South East Greenway: off-road cycling, walking and wheeling

Phase 1 of the South East Greenway is approximately 6km in length from New Ross to Glenmore. It is the first part to be opened of the 24km of the South East Greenway, which will be a spectacular off-road cycling, walking and wheeling Greenway. Once fully completed, it will run along an old railway line from the quays of Ireland’s oldest Viking City of Waterford to the Norman town of New Ross along the banks of the beautiful Barrow River, through the scenic countryside of South Kilkenny. It will in future phases, include historic elements such as the Red Bridge and the old rail tunnel at Mount Elliot and will ultimately connect to the renowned Waterford Greenway.

“This will be a great asset to South East, with New Ross growing as a tourism hub,” said Brendan Crowley.

Attract visitors to Ireland’s Ancient East

Minister Chambers said, “A figure of €8 million has been invested by the Department of Transport in developing this wonderful Greenway route to date. This investment signals the Government’s commitment to provide high-quality cycle infrastructure that will generate many benefits for cyclists and communities across Ireland. This Greenway will encourage greater levels of travel via cycling and walking rather than private car use amongst leisure users, tourists, and commuters. The opening of this route along the River Barrow and its connection with the Waterford Greenway will, in due course, represent a valuable tourism amenity in Ireland in attracting visitors to Ireland’s Ancient East.”