A bog and former landfill site is to be transformed into a multi-million pound Biodiversity park, Waterford council has announced.

The €4 million programme of works containing 50 acres of public park and nature reserve on the Tramore Road in the city will result in "one of the largest urban parklands in the country", according to a council spokesman.

The project is part of the council's ambitious plan 'Project 2014'. The vision for the park was outlined in a documented released by the council, is said: "Environmental sustainability will also be to the fore at the former landfill site on marshlands at Kilbarry, where a biodiversity park is being developed. An innovative wetland system will feature marshes, brackish ponds, tidal slough and estuaries. It will also provide a home or rest stop for many species of birds."

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The park will see an expansion of the St John's River Walk, while creating a 50-acre public park and nature reserve in the areas of Kilbarry Bog and the former Kilbarry landfill site. The extension of the river walk will provide a public pathway developed to reach the Tramore Road roundabout on the outer ring road, travelling through the bog, offering views of the unique plant and wildlife.

(DW/JM)