The South Kerry Greenway project is set to go into development after appeals against the scheme were rejected by the Supreme Court.

Despite securing planning permission for the 27km route from Glenbeigh to Caherciveen in November 2020, Kerry County Council could not move forward with the project due to legal appeals.

A Fine Gael TD has welcomed the progress of the project, stating it will "breathe new life" into communities along the proposed route.

Deputy Brendan Griffin said: "The development of the South Kerry Greenway will now act as the catalyst for the completion of a network of integrated cycleways and greenways across the county.

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"We have seen the success of greenway projects across Ireland, and the economic, social and tourism benefits they bring to local businesses, towns and villages.

"The greenway will directly benefit the communities of Glenbeigh, Kells and Caherciveen, with further significant economic spin-off benefits for the South Kerry and Mid-Kerry regions.

"With planning permission in place, I hope to see development beginning on the greenway as soon as possible. Funding is now vitally needed to allow the project to develop at speed and I will continue to advocate for financial support in order to see this project through to the very end.

"I am calling on every Minister around the Cabinet table to see this project as one of national importance and to prioritise the allocation of funding to allow for construction immediately," concluded Deputy Griffin.