Work is beginning to consider the development of a new greenway connecting Counties Cork and Waterford.

This potential link would see a greenway developed along a 77.35km stretch of scenic countryside adjacent to the River Blackwater, using viaduct crossings at key landmark locations. It would run from Mallow, through to Fermoy, and onto Dungarvan where it could link-in and connect with the existing Waterford Greenway.

Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council are preparing to examine the feasibility of this project.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan, said: "This project, should it come to pass, would provide a wonderful opportunity to create a vibrant tourist attraction in the north of the county, which in turn could feed into the tremendous success that is the Waterford Greenway. Nature has already provided us with a wonderful backdrop which in itself already draws tens of thousands of tourists every year. Since the pandemic struck, everyone truly appreciates the benefits of being outdoors, and it is incumbent upon us to explore every opportunity to create new and compelling reasons to explore our wonderful county. I look forward to the outcome of the feasibility study."

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Commenting on the project, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly, added: "The existing Waterford Greenway has been an unparalleled success since its opening in March 2017. We have witnessed at first hand the transformative effect that a project like this can have on local communities, business and the health & well-being of our people. Here in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East, Waterford has already been working with Kilkenny, Wexford and Tipperary on Greenway and other outdoor recreation projects. We now look forward to potentially creating further linkages with our near neighbours in Cork through what has the potential to be a very exciting Greenway project."

Cork County Council will act as the lead authority to carry out the required management responsibilities for the feasibility study, including the formal appointments of project consultants.

Having provided services to similar projects in Ireland and internationally, consultancy company Atkins will bring experience from previous projects, including the Royal Canal Greenway and the Baldoyle to Portmarnock Greenway as well as the ongoing Fingal Coastal Way and Boyne Greenway.

Funding of €361,238 has been awarded to both Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council by the Department of Transport under the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways to complete the feasibility project. 

As part of the initial steps in the development of the feasibility study, the Local Authorities are launching an Online Public Consultation to seek the views of the general public on the Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway.