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KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL has announced its acquisition of a parcel of land beside the River Flesk in Killarney which will allow for the development of a new walking and cycling route linking Ross Road and Muckross Road. The new route will mean that walkers and cyclists will now be able to avail of an off-road facility all the way from the Flesk Bridge via Ross Castle and onto Fossa.

In recent days, Kerry County Council has purchased land from Killarney Racecourse to allow for the completion of a walkway and cycleway from the Flesk Bridge at Maurice O’Donoghue Memorial Park via the banks of the river and on towards the Ross Road just a short distance from Ross Castle. The Council will now look at funding options to progress the project.

The cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Cronin, said the acquisition of land meant the new amenity route could now proceed to public consultation and planning approval: “This will be an absolutely wonderful addition to Killarney’s selection of walkways and cycleways and will provide locals and visitors alike with a fabulous riverside amenity connecting Muckross Road and Ross Road,” he said.

“What is more important is that this additional amenity effectively extends the off-road route from the Muckross Road towards the N71 at Fossa near the Hotel Europe giving walkers and cyclists the option of travelling all the way from Fossa right into the heart of Killarney National Park on the Muckross side of Killarney town. This will further enhance Killarney’s international reputation as a walking and cycling destination and will provide users with a dedicated, safe, off-road route to enjoy at their leisure. I look forward to its completion at the earliest opportunity,” said Cllr Cronin.

The route follows a line from the Muckross Road, leaving the road at the Flesk Bridge at the Maurice O’Donoghue Memorial Park on the town side of the river, veering off at the rear of the Killarney Racecourse and joining the Ross Road on the Killarney side of the Racecourse. The route will then join the existing footpath/cycle lane along Ross Road towards Ross Castle and into the National Park.
 

 
Above: Ross Castle; Kerry County Council has purchased land from Killarney Racecourse to allow for the completion of a walkway and cycleway from the Flesk Bridge at Maurice O’Donoghue Memorial Park via the banks of the river and on towards the Ross Road just a short distance from Ross Castle.