A new 1km off-road section of the St. Declan’s Way trail, linking Cappoquin and Dromana Bridge, was officially opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County Council Jason Murphy in Mountrivers, County Waterford on Friday, the 20th June 2025.

The enhancement to the trail was delivered through the Walks Scheme by Waterford Leader Partnership CLG on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The newly launched route guides walkers off a hazardous stretch of winding public road to a scenic, safe track through the rolling farmland of West Waterford and marks a significant upgrade for Ireland’s longest pilgrim path.

Speaking at the launch, Christine Rossi, CEO of Waterford Leader Partnership, expressed pride in the project, stating:

“We are particularly proud of this re-route as Waterford Leader Partnership has been involved from the very beginning in 2022.”

Mayor Jason Murphy praised the collaboration involved in the initiative.

“This project shows what you can achieve when local knowledge, national support and goodwill come together.”

Minister of State John Cummins was also in attendance at the opening.

“It is that community effort and everybody working collectively with one another, that allows us to achieve great things like we have here today.”

Key contributors to the project included the Waterford Leader Partnership Rural Recreation Officer, Niamh McGuinness, the St. Declan’s Way Steering Committee, Edward O’Rourke Contracting, and FRS Waterford.

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