Long-awaited Ferrybank Greenway section to open in a matter of weeks
The section has been a point of frustration among locals who have been eager to see it officially open.
A section of Greenway connecting Curraghmore to the North Quays in Ferrybank is finally due to open, and there remains only minor finishing works to be finalised.
The section has been a point of frustration among locals who have been eager to see it officially open.
Previously, the opening of this section was dependent on the completion of an area within the North Quays development.
However, following significant delays, Waterford City and County Council have requested that the contractor of the North Quays development make this section available to the local authority to facilitate the Greenway opening.
“In the absence of a satisfactory response to this request, Waterford has sought to have this area removed from the contract and transferred to them,” said Ian Gardner, Director of Services with Kilkenny County Council, one of the many local authorities in the south east who hold a vested interest in the route.
“Waterford are very much aware of the pressure to open this section of the Greenway and expects the matter to be resolved shortly, probably in a couple of weeks,” Mr Gardner said.
He added that it was “a good move by Waterford”.
The remaining area, which includes the potential for a temporary car park trailhead, is expected to be handed over by the contractor in August or September.
This area can be made available as a temporary car park until the opening of the train station, which is expected to open in late 2027.
Whilst welcoming the development, South Kilkenny-based councillors said the saga has gone on for far too long.
Cllr Pat Dunphy said: “I think it’s very disappointing that this has gone on for so long.
“I can’t understand how all of that happened and why any snags weren’t dealt with at an earlier stage.”
Cathaoirleach of the Piltown Municipal District, Cllr Ger Frisby said the segment has been “a bone of contention for the public who are wondering why it isn’t open”.
He added that people are still using the route despite it not being officially open to the public.
“It’s great that work is progressing to finally get it open,” Cllr Frisby said.
Welcoming the opening, Cllr Jenny Catt Slattery added: “It’s brilliant it will be open in the next few weeks. Things like this always take time and there are always delays but people will be delighted to hear it happening now for the summer holidays."
