The official opening of the first phase of the Tralee-Fenit Greenway took place today (Friday) when the Fenit-Spa leg of the greenway was opened to cyclists and walkers.

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Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD joined Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Johnnie Wall and Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney to launch the opening of the first 6.5km of greenway, allowing pedestrians and cyclists travel from Fenit to Spa and back again. The remainder of the greenway is expected to open in autumn.

The entire 11.3 km greenway will encompass the already constructed stretch from Tralee Railway Station to the Bracker O’Regan Road and will greatly enhance the local tourist economy, allowing locals and tourists to cycle safely in a healthy and scenic car-free environment.

It will also provide a new link between Fenit, Tralee and the surrounding townlands, thereby improving the social fabric of local communities and providing a universally accessible amenity which will attract families, the elderly and disabled persons and complement the range of existing tourism trails throughout Kerry.

Welcoming the project, Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Johnnie Wall praised the work carried out by Kerry County Council staff on the project.

“It is something that has been in the pipeline for many years and to see it coming to fruition is fantastic,” he said.

“Great credit must go to everyone involved, including the Council staff who built the greenway, the landowners for their cooperation, and the Department of Transport and TII for funding the project. This, along with current and future Greenway projects in the county will be hugely beneficial for locals and visitors alike and I look forward to the rest of the Greenway opening in autumn.”

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan added that “the Tralee to Fenit Greenway is another great example of the role Greenways can plan in connecting communities in a sustainable manner".

"This new infrastructure from Fenit to Spa is accessible to all and allows those living on this route to commute safely to school, work or other amenities by foot or bike. It also provides an attractive amenity for visitors to the area and I look forward to the delivery of the rest of the greenway which will further support tourism and sustainable transport in the region.”

Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD said she too is delighted to join with Cabinet Colleague Minister Ryan to officially open the Tralee to Fenit Greenway "which will provide locals and visitors alike a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the delights of walking and cycling in beautiful, picturesque and safe surroundings".

"I would like to acknowledge the enormous effort put in by Kerry County Council, the landowners and the Department of Transport whose tireless endeavours have made all of this possible. Today’s launch marks a hugely significant day for Kerry and I look forward to the opening of the remainder of the greenway which will further enhance and enrich the visitor experience.”

WORKS

In September 2018 the members of Tralee Municipal District approved the Part 8 Planning for the construction of the Tralee to Fenit.

Kerry County Council were allocated funding under the DTTAS Greenway’s Funding Programme 2019-2021, in June 2019.

Construction works began in November 2019 however it was delayed for six months due to COVID restrictions.

The greenway begins in Fenit Village, close to the harbour, and travels along the corridor of the former railway line to the Bracker O’Regan Road, Tralee. It connects with the existing urban section of the route, from Mounthawk area to Tralee Railway Station. It will also link with the future extension of the North Kerry Greenway from Limerick County Bounds to Tralee.

The total length, approx. 11.3km, is 3.0m wide with an asphalt concrete finished surface. It includes 20 agricultural crossings, 10 private crossings, two public crossings and eight potential pedestrian access points.

Large structures include the Kilfenora Bridge which was re-instated, the greenway underpass of the local road in Ballymakegoge and installation of agricultural underpasses, accommodation works to local residential properties and farm holdings, including screening for privacy and accommodating agriculture operations.