The first completed section of the long-awaited south Kerry greenway will open this weekend.
The 3.1-kilometre stretch from the Old Kells railway station to Golden's shop will be fully accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
First announced in 2014, the 32-kilometre route along the Ring of Kerry will eventually run all the way from Glenbeigh to Cahirsiveen along much of a former railway route.
However, since it was first mooted, the greenway - involving some 197 landowners - has been the subject of long delays due to legal actions and planning disputes.
In a bid to progress the route, Kerry County Council sought and was granted a Compulsory Purchase Order in 2018.
Work finally got underway in late 2022, with the first section opening on Friday.
It is hoped the next section of the greenway - five kilometres from the trailhead at Glenbeigh through Curra Wood, and on to the road overbridge at Mountain Stage, will be open early next summer.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Councillor Michael Foley said the south Kerry greenway is one of the most anticipated public projects and amenities in Kerry.
He thanked local landowners for their cooperation and support.
'Historic day' for Iveragh Peninsula
Cathaoirleach of the Kenmare Municipal District, Councillor Norma Moriarty said Friday is a very historic day for the Iveragh Peninsula.
"The greenway will be an all-weather and all-seasons amenity and offers a beautiful facility in a breathtaking location to locals and visitors alike".
Earlier this month, plans for a 35-kilometre greenway in County Sligo, along the disused western rail corridor in south Sligo were shelved.
The local authority said it was suspending any further works as the preferred route is no longer available and a suggested alternative option was not viable.
Meanwhile, as Cork County Council progress plans for a controversial greenway between Cork city and Kinsale, opponents gathered last month outside Leinster House to highlight concerns around compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for the development of greenways.
