Though it only reopened last July, the Limerick Greenway has already welcomed over 500,000 visits. Limerick City and County Council have invested more than €10m in the 40km scenic off-road route.
Limerick Greenway Welcomes 500,000 Visits
Winding through the beautiful rural countryside the Limerick Greenway takes visitors through the market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Visitors pass through the 115m Barnagh Train Tunnel and cross the cast-iron Ferguson’s Viaduct. Both are restored relics of the 19th century train line.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Councillor Daniel Butler said: “It is remarkable to see half a million visits to Limerick Greenway in the first 10 months since it reopened, following a major investment.
“A lot has been done to-date and we are delighted to commit further with additional works in the pipeline. This will assist in extending tourism in Limerick beyond its urban centre and into the towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale and their surrounding areas.”
The recreational amenity, on the former Limerick to Tralee train line, will see further improvement works over the coming year.
Restoration of the Railway Goods Shed
The Railway Goods Shed at Rathkeale is to be restored to supply services to Greenway users and will form part of a Greenway Hub that will also include upgraded car parking facilities. Limerick City and County Council has also confirmed that it will commence work on a new Greenway car park at Station Road, Newcastle West, later in the year.
In addition, design/master planning will advance in 2022 on Greenway Hubs at the Ardagh Station house site and Abbeyfeale Railway Goods Shed and car park. These projects will build on the first-class network of visitor facilities already in place along the Limerick Greenway.
Economic Benefits of Limerick Greenway
Gordon Daly, Director of Service at Limerick City and County Council, added: “Limerick Greenway is an important piece of economic infrastructure for the region and will be a major boost for tourism this summer and beyond.
Already, since its reopening last year, we have seen the amenity linked to the creation of local jobs and the support of local communities. We are delighted to reach a milestone of 500,000 visits and encourage people to see how beautiful and welcoming this part of the country is.”
For more information, including bike hire, amenities and itineraries see here.