Kerry County Council has confirmed that a further section of the South Kerry Greenway is due to open on Friday (May 29).

This section will add a further 2.2km to the greenway between Glenbeigh and Mountain Stage.

It marks the third section of the greenway to be opened within the past six months.

Almost 10km of the walking and cycling amenity will be open to the public from this weekend.

The new segment incorporates a 100-metre elevated boardwalk which offers "extensive views of the surrounding countryside".

Cathaoirleach of the Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr Norma Moriarty, said the opening of the new section is a wonderful boost ahead of the summer season.

"Coming as it does just ahead of the June Bank Holiday Weekend, this is another exciting milestone for the South Kerry Greenway with over one-third of the approved route now open for public use.

"There has been great progress over the past six months in completing work on the greenway and I would encourage everyone to enjoy the new amenity over the coming weeks and months," she said.

Cllr Moriarty acknowledged "local landowners for their cooperation and support as well as our partners in the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)".

Engagement

In March, Kerry County Council confirmed that the estimated cost of the South Kerry Greenway project now stands at €72 million.

The local authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are currently working on the 27km greenway from Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen.

In November 2020, An Bord Pleanála approved the project, along with an accompanying compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the lands required.

Independent Kerry County Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae recently said that "enhanced engagement" is planned with landowners in south Kerry in relation to the greenway.

Cllr Healy-Rae said that Kerry County Council chief executive Fearghal Reidy confirmed that the local authority will be engaging directly with farm organisations and that agents will also be engaging on a one-on-one basis with landowners as part of efforts to progress agreements.

Following further questioning from Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae, the CEO stated that he "hopes to have an agreement in place with all landowners by the end of 2026, but that it’s a two-way street".