Green light given for Greenway between Waterford and Cork

This week, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan launched the Pathfinder Programme of 35 national  sustainable transport projects. One of those listed was what is called the 'Pathfinder Project' which will link with the Inter-Urban Demonstrator project connecting Waterford City and Cork City. 

Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh said in an interview... “But perhaps the most eye-catching element for me is the Inter-Urban Demonstrator Project between Waterford and Cork. This will leverage the success of our existing Greenway, filling in the gaps that exist between here and Cork City, most notably the section between Dungarvan and Youghal. Along with the proposed connection to the Blueway at Carrick-on-Suir, this holds out the prospect of Waterford City being at the core of a cycle network connecting Cork to Clonmel, Lismore to New Ross and all points between.”

Analysis... There are some parts of the Greenway network already in use. The 46km section from Waterford City to Dungarvan is an amazing amenity for walkers, runners and cyclists. The section around Glounthaune in East Cork is completed and the adjacent sections are being worked on.

Likewise, the 21km or so stretch from Midleton to Youghal is under construction and will hopefully be open next year.

The section from Mallow to Fermoy to Lismore to Dungarvan is in the planning stage but that too will hopefully be rolled out.

The obvious gap in this new Cork-Waterford Greenway network is the section between Dungarvan and Youghal.

At least now, it has been given priority and will be funded which is a key part of the process.

How the Greenway gets from Dungarvan to Youghal is another question. There is no old railway line along the direct route and it's quite hilly with an elevation of about 160m above sea level in parts.

The other indirect route is to follow the Blackwater River from Youghal north to Lismore and then follow the new Greenway east to Dungarvan.

We'll have to wait and see what plans they come up with but it's great to see some progress on this.