The abandoned railway tunnel at Mountgarrett will be a major attraction on the Red Bridge Greenway inner cycling route around New Ross

PHYSICAL WORK on developing a Greenway walking and cycling route between New Ross and Waterford, along the route of the disused railway line between the two urban centres, could begin next year.

The proposal is about to go to Part VIII of the planning process and according to New Ross Municipal District Director, Eamonn Hore, if everything goes according to schedule work on the project could begin in 2017.

Speaking to the Echo about the project Mr. Hore said it will be a “phenomenal resource” for the region and could become another tourist attraction.

Surveys have been carried out by Kilkenny County Council in recent weeks with regard to issues such as flora, and especially, fauna, along the route and according to Mr. Hore the overall application is due to go to Part VIII of the process this month.

“It looks like all the reports will be ready next week,” he said.

The proposal will include an application for funding to Failte Ireland but as Mr. Hore pointed out the New Ross submission will be ahead of most other applications across the country applying for similar financial support.

If everything goes according to plan work on developing the new Greenway route could begin as early as next year.

“It’s a really strong project so we would be very hopeful,” said Mr. Hore.

“We expect Failte Ireland to make a decision on funding early in the new year and it hinges on that,” he added.

“It would complete a link from the Barrow Bridge, New Ross and Waterford.”

While the main Greenway route will be developed between New Ross and Waterford there is also another inner route which will see a cycling path being developed from Rosbercon out to the abandoned red railway bridge over the Barrow at Mount Garrett and back along Cherry’s Road.