Ireland's longest greenway has been officially opened in Co Waterford.

At 46km, the Waterford/Dungarvan Greenway cost €15m to construct and is expected to greatly increase tourism numbers to the south east.

The last passenger train journey between Waterford and Dungarvan took place on what was known as the Mallow/Waterford line 50 years ago this weekend.

It had been operating as a railway line from 1878 and was considered one of the most scenic routes in the country.

Waterford Council acquired a licence from CIE 15 years ago to develop the line into a pedestrian walkway/cycle path for tourism and leisure.

CIE will continue to own the line but the new greenway now features 11 bridges, three viaducts and a 400-metre tunnel and runs between Ireland's oldest city of Waterford, Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas, and Dungarvan.

The greenway will be marketed as part of Ireland's Ancient East tourism products.