The first phase of the South Kerry Greenway is expected to be opened to the public before Christmas.
This news was announced at today’s Kenmare Municipal District meeting after Fianna Fáil councillor Tommy Cahill sought an update on the project.
Cllr Tommy Cahill told the meeting this project will be a lifeline for South Kerry and beyond and he asked Kerry County Council if it could provide an estimated opening time for the project.
Director of services for roads and transport at Kerry County Council, Frank Hartnett told the meeting that it’s planned to have sections opened on a phased basis, and he stated the section between Kells PO and Kells Station is well advanced and is likely to be opened first.
When asked for an estimated opening date, Frank Hartnett told the meeting “it’s likely Christmas will come early”.
This was met with delighted from all Kenmare MD councillors, who have regularly been highlighting the importance of the greenway to the area, particularly the boost it’ll provide for businesses that are currently struggling.
It had initially been expected that one section of the South Kerry Greenway would open before the end of this year, however, in May the council stated at that stage there were no plans to open any section of the greenway at the end of the year.
Cllr Tommy Cahill praised the council for progressing the project to this stage and acknowledged the challenges they faced in doing so; he also stated this will give a moral boost to South, Mid and all of Kerry.
The meeting also heard that works are well advanced on a 5km section of the Greenway between Glenbeigh and the N70 road overbridge (L-11652) at Coolnaharragill Upper, and between Gortnagree and Kells PO (3.5km).
The meeting also heard that tenders have been invited for the construction of an underpass and associated ramps at Gortnagree. It is hoped to undertake these works in Q1/Q2 2026.
Temporary fencing and site clearance works are currently nearing completion on the section from Kells Station to Cloghanelinaghan.
Tender Documents are being finalised for the most challenging section between Mountain Stage and Kells PO. Tender documents will be published in Q1 2026 subject to the necessary approvals.
Technical consultants for heritage structures refurbishment have been appointed to assist in procuring the works for the Cahersiveen viaduct and other structures.
Consultants have been appointed to obtain the statutory consent necessary for the section from Reenard to Cahersiveen, including northeast of the Valentia Estuary Viaduct.
A public consultation outlining the study area and route options took place in October 2024 in Cahersiveen and the council says the preferred option for both study areas are currently being assessed.
