The High Court decision today to uphold its earlier ruling to allow planning permission for the South Kerry Greenway has been widely welcomed by local politicians.
The proposed 27km route between Glenbeigh and Caherciveen will run mainly along the former disused Southern and Western Railway, which closed in 1960.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley, who lives in Tralee, described the decision as an "enormous step forward" for the South Kerry Greenway.
"A project with huge potential not just for South Kerry but all of The Kingdom and beyond," she added.
Brendan Griffin, a Fine Gael TD for Kerry based in Castlemaine, welcomed the ruling as "great news" and "another big step" for the greenway.
Mayor of Kerry and Fianna Fáil councillor Jimmy Moloney said it was "excellent news for the county".
Chair of Kenmare Municipal District and Deputy Mayor of Kerry County Council, Michael Cahill, said he hoped today's ruling would "finally be the green light to commence the physical project".
The independent councillor added: "The greenway is the single biggest tourism project ever for our county."
Fianna Fáil councillor Mikey Sheehy said: "A further step forward and massive boost for another major tourism and community project in Kerry. This is great news for the Kingdom."
