South East Greenway opens at New Ross

By Dan Walsh at New Ross

Phase One of the €8 million South East Greenway linking New Ross with Glenmore and Waterford city was officially opened today (Tuesday) by Jack Chambers T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications at a sun drenched ceremony held in the Greenway car park at Rosbercon, New Ross.

Minister Chambers said; “The opening of the first section of the South East Greenway represents an exciting development for the South East Region. 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 providing 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.”

Cllr Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council welcomed the opening of Phase One of the South East Greenway and looked forward to the opening of future stages. Cllr. Doyle said, “The old rail corridor is steeped in natural, built and cultural heritage, with a blend of urban in New Ross and Ferrybank and rural through the farmland of south Kilkenny and I’m delighted to see it now re-imagined into the South East Greenway, a world class amenity that locals can be very proud of and one that they and visitors can enjoy for many years to come.” 

Cllr Fleming said; “As Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council as well as a Councillor representing New Ross Municipal District, and my parents being from Kilkenny originally, I am enormously proud to attend the opening of the Greenway between those counties and soon to include Waterford as well. The Greenway will bring economic benefits as well as very important health and social benefits to our communities and I look forward to its completion, in particular, to the Red Bridge and the tunnel at Mount Elliot, which will be spectacular.” 

Cllr Fleming acknowledged the presence of Mogue  Curtis, (86), and Phil Jackman, (91), who cycled to the event and whom he affectionately described as “the oldest bikers in town today.” 

Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District said; “I’m delighted to see the first section of the Greenway open. It will be a historic day for Wexford, New Ross in particular, and Kilkenny and Waterford. Being the closest elected member to the Greenway, living in Rosbercon itself, I would have passed this location every day for years and am delighted to see what it has now become, from the under-utilised space it was for many years. It will be a major attraction for local people and for tourists alike, bringing people to New Ross and the South East region.”

Other speakers included Cathaoirleach of Callan and Thomastown District Council, Cllr Deirdre Cullen, and Cllr Ger Frisby, Cathaoirleach of Piltown Municipal District Council. The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe, Deputy John Paul Phelan and Senator Malcolm Byrne, Eamonn Hore, Acting Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Sean McKeown, Acting Chief Executive Kilkenny County Council, Paul Walsh, CEO of TII and Brendan Crowley, President of Wexford Chamber of Commerce.

The new Greenway was jointly blessed with prayers from Rt-Rev. Mons. Joseph McGrath, P.P., New Ross, The Reverend Bruce Hayes, Dean of Waterford and Rector of Waterford Union of Parishes and Hafid Tribak, Muslim Imam. Music was provided by the Cumas trad Band from New Ross.

Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager for New Ross, acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed and thanked so many people that made for a memorable day on the site of the old railway station in New Ross.

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

Opening for public use this afternoon, Phase One 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.

Future phases may include historic elements such as the Red Bridge and old rail tunnel at Mount Elliot and will ultimately connect to the renowned Waterford Greenway.