- Kerry County Council has no specific funding secured for Killarney’s Lake Garda greenway
- Proposed route encircles Muckross Lake and Lough Lein through Torc and Fossa
- Seed funding from TII used to assess infrastructure for sections over five years
- NPWS progressed project appraisal, active landowner negotiations underway
- Councillor raised concerns project has stalled while other Kerry greenways receive funding
Kerry County Council has not secured any specific greenway funding to develop Killarney’s proposed “Lake Garda” loop. Despite millions of euros being spent on major trail infrastructure elsewhere across Ireland, this project currently remains without dedicated financial backing. The proposed trail would run from Killarney to Torc, continuing through Tomies Wood and Fossa to encircle Muckross Lake and Lough Lein.
Over the last five years, Kerry County Council utilised seed funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to assess the infrastructure required for the Muckross-to-Torc and Torc-to-Dinis sections. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) then progressed the project appraisal. Local authority management confirmed they are actively negotiating with landowners along the Gap Road (L4040) to secure right-of-way access from Tomies Cross on the N72 to Gortreagh Bridge.
Independent Councillor Brendan Cronin raised concerns that the flagship tourist loop, once considered a priority project, has stalled while funding commitments remain active for alternative greenway routes within the county. The Lake Garda project, named after the scenic lake circuit it would create, faces continued uncertainty without dedicated funding. Local rwritten statements have called for renewed efforts to secure investment for the trail, which would significantly enhance Killarney’s outdoor tourism offering.
Kerry County Council shared negotiations with landowners along the Gap Road continue to secure right-of-way access for the proposed trail.
