The decision by the High Court to dismiss two Judicial Reviews against the South Kerry Greenway project, has been welcomed by Kerry County Council.

The proposed 32km Greenway between Glenbeigh and Cahersiveen has the potential to become one of Kerry’s most significant tourism projects, according to Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney.

“The South Kerry Greenway is hugely important for the continued development of tourism in Kerry, not just for the economy of South Kerry but for the whole of the county,” Cllr Moloney said. 

“This is an iconic project, which has fantastic potential to become a landmark tourist attraction, and with the current development of the North Kerry Greenway and the Tralee-Fenit Greenway, an excellent network of cycling and walking routes for visitors and locals around Kerry is being developed.”

Kerry County Council is currently examining the judgement of the court with a view to assessing its next steps in the project.

WELCOME

The South Kerry Greenway Project is a proposed initiative to create a cycle way from Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen on the Ring of Kerry. The Greenway Project, once implemented, will be a driver of awareness, tourism, jobs, economic growth and environmental sustainability for the area. The initiative is supported by local TDs and councillors representing the area, numerous businesses who trade in the area, and local people of South Kerry.

Cllrs Patrick O'Connor-Scarteen and Michael Cahill also welcomed the news.

"I welcome the High Court Judgement on the Judicial Review proceedings taken regarding the South Kerry Greenway, which effectively dismissed both proceedings taken against the Greenway," Cllr Patrick O'Connor-Scarteen added. "I look forward to reading the 20 page decision in more detail. There are still further proceedings, however the main judgement brings a great sense of relief and is a huge step forward in the process to deliver what could possibly be one of the best greenways in the world and a huge boost to South Kerry's economic and social fabric. As a local Councillor since the start of the process for a greenway and Mayor of Kerry for 2020/2021 the advancement of the South Kerry Greenway has been one of my main priorities and we need to do everything possible to get it in place as soon as possible."

Fianna Fáil Councillor, Michael Cahill added his congratulations to all involved.

“This is a win win for all involved including business and land owners and especially for our children and our children’s children for generations to come," he said. "South Kerry has now got its gamechanger, its lifeline.”

He added that this is "a massive boost for the entire county, especially for Caherciveen and the Iveragh Peninsula". 

“On the completion of the construction of The South Kerry Greenway, I have no doubt but that the people of Kerry will make this the greatest tourism project in all of Ireland and in a short time we will wonder how we survived before it came. I will continue to call for all works necessary to be put in place during construction, adequate accommodation works and compensation for all landowners and to ensure the continued smooth running of existing businesses, including farms, etc., all along the route of The South Kerry Greenway.” 

The task now he added is to help and encourage suitable new enterprises to be set up, whereby decent employment can be created and successful businesses can be born.

“These, at last, are going to be exciting times in South Kerry, as we dare to exit the shadow of COVID-19 and hopefully look to a much brighter future without further delay.”