The Limerick Greenway has welcomed more than 500,000 visits since it reopened last year with an investment of € 10 million by the city and county council of Limerick.
Today, the 40 km off-road route connects the towns of Ruskir, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale along the railroad line from the old Limerick to Tralee.
Welcomed by the Council as the largest outdoor tourism amenity project to date, the Limerick Greenway will soon connect to the North Kelly Greenway to create a 50km off-road route from Ruskir to Listowel.
There are also plans to extend the Greenway from Rathkeale to Adair to the city of Limerick.
Mayor Limerick of Councilor Daniel Butler said:
In addition, from 2022 to 2023, € 3.5 million will be spent on Animal Crossing, a parking lot for 80 cars in Newcastle West, a new parking lot in Lasquele and bicycle rental and toilet facilities.
Future greenway hubs for Ardagh and Abbeyfeale are also planned.
The original Limerick to Tralee railway line was opened between 1867 and 1880.
The Greenway was upgraded last year at a cost of € 10 million and features Victorian features such as the Burna Tunnel, the cast iron Ferguson Viaduct and the station building of the time.
Gordon Daily, Service Director of the Council, said:
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Aerial view of Limerick Greenway
However, there were local concerns that the Newcastle West bypass plan would adversely affect the Greenway, as the plan would include the construction of two underpasses along the route.
The council states that bypasses are needed to improve traffic congestion and do not affect the enjoyment of pedestrians and cyclists on the Greenway.
“We use noise barriers, screen planting, landscaping, and other mitigation measures that may be identified during the ongoing design process to mitigate the impact on the Greenway as much as possible. I will continue to work hard. ”
He added that the construction of the bypass is “at least four to five years away.”
