Over 500,000 visitors, more than half of them cyclists, have flocked to Limerick Greenway since it opened last July following a spend of €10 million on the route on the old Limerick to Kerry railway line.
The 40km greenway in West Limerick goes through Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. It includes the 115m Barnagh train tunnel and cast-iron Ferguson’s Viaduct, which have been restored to their former glory when they were part of the old rail line.
The greenway opened on July 1st last year, with counters installed on the route showing cyclists have accounted for 70 per cent of the total visitors, which reached 500,000 by the end of May.
“It is remarkable to see half a million visits to Limerick Greenway in the first 10 months since it reopened, following a major investment,” said Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Daniel Butler.
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“This is a testament to its popularity among local communities and visitors, both nationally and overseas. These walkers, runners, cyclists, and wheelchair users have all enjoyed the Greenway, which has flourished since the first phase of its ambitious redevelopment was completed last summer.
“A lot has been done to-date and we are delighted to commit further with additional works in the pipeline that will assist in extending tourism in Limerick beyond its urban centre and into the towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale and their surrounding areas.”
Gordon Daly, director of service at Limerick City and County Council said the greenway was a major piece of infrastructure for the region that had already begun to create jobs due to the high visitor numbers.
“We are delighted to reach a milestone of 500,000 visits and look forward now to growing this figure. We encourage people to try all, or part of, the 40km route, to see just how beautiful and welcoming this part of the country is,” he said.
