A SPEND of €20 million on the proposed South Kerry Greenway would represent super value for money, a Kerry County Council member has insisted.
Cllr Michael Cahill said if the project gets through the planning process and comes in anywhere near that figure, it will be exceptional value.
“We should remember that the route is over 32 kilometres long with a lot of specialised engineering works and accommodation works, going through three tunnels, over a viaduct and over a metal bridge,” he said.
Cllr Cahill said 25 per cent of the estimated cost is for land acquisition and the landowners need to be adequately compensated.
“If developed, and please God it will, the South Kerry Greenway will be the single, biggest and best ever tourism project for our county and it will be there for generations to come,” he said.
He pointed out that the 22km bypass of Macroom has an estimated cost of €280 million which is a large multiple of the funds required for the South Kerry Greenway at 32km.
“This relatively small investment, by comparison, in South Kerry for a world class cycle and walking track, which has scenery beyond compare, will repay a dividend in healthy lifestyle and enjoyment along with jobs for local residents for many decades to come,” Cllr Cahill said.
“Projects of this calibre are a scarce commodity and there is enormous value for money in them for the community at large,” he added.
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