Following discussions and agreement with the Project PPP Company and Contractor, and due to the huge popular demand and support for our 5K Charity Walk next Sunday, Wexford County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kilkenny County Council are delighted to announce a second 5K Charity Walk on the new N25 New Ross Bypass on Saturday the 25th of January to raise funds for New Ross Community Hospital, Kilkenny Home Care and Special Olympics Ireland. This event will follow the same route as Sunday's event, providing participants with an opportunity to walk across the iconic and record-breaking Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge before it opens to traffic, while also raising money for very worthy causes.

The event starts at 1pm and is again being hosted by Wexford County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kilkenny County Council in collaboration with the project PPP Company (Bam/Iridium), the project contractors 'New Ross Joint Venture' (Bam/Dragados) and with the support of St. Joseph's and United Striders Athletics Clubs.

With the final preparations for next week's road opening in full swing, we would like to thank the PPP Company and Contractor for their co-operation in making the site available for this event.

Registration for the event will open online at approximately 6pm this evening at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/n25-new-ross-bypass-charity-walk-saturday-tickets-90825476445

Due to the likely level of demand, the registration site may be very busy so you your patience would be appreciated during the registration process. Registration for the event is limited and unfortunately admission cannot be accepted on the day without evidence of prior registration. While would love to facilitate everyone who wishes to participate in the event and raise even more money for charity, we are constrained by the primacy of safety and operational considerations. Constraints arising from the time of year, limited lead in time from completion of construction to opening and the particular characteristics of the new infrastructure are all considerations in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants including those with particular accessibility requirements.

The online entry fee is €10 for adults and over 12's, while under 12's are free. All funds raised will go to the three designated charities. All participants must bring their record of registration with them on the day to gain entry, and arrive at the event in good time and as advised. The event will start on the bypass at Stokestown on the County Wexford side of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, and participants will cross the bridge into Co. Kilkenny before returning over the bridge back to the start point. All access to the event will be via the R733 road from New Ross town to Arthurstown, and parking will be provided at the event site. Further details for the event are also available at https://www.facebook.com/N25-New-Ross-Bypass-Charity-Walk-127808438755339. Directions and traffic marshalling will also be provided on the day to assist drivers.

The event is being organised as a 'zero waste event' to promote and encourage a reduction in both overall waste and the use of single-use plastic products, and participants are encouraged to bring sustainably produced refreshments where possible. A small digital goodie bag will be circulated to all participants via email after the event, which will include a certificate of participation and a souvenir video clip of the event.