WORK is due to start next Monday on the restoration of a 19th century railway goods shed at Rathkeale that will serve as the centrepiece of a new visitor facility on the Limerick Greenway.
The Limerick Greenway Hub @ Rathkeale is one of a series of projects to be undertaken by Limerick City and County Council aimed at further enhancing the first-class network of visitor facilities along the Greenway.
The historic railway building was constructed between 1860 and 1870 as part of the Limerick to Tralee railway line and it will now provide visitors to the scenic 40km walking and cycling route with a bike hire hub.
A public realm area around the building will serve as a recreational space featuring picnic benches, a water point, a bike repair stand and toilets.
Part of the €1.9m project to enhance visitor facilities at the Rathkeale Hub will include a newly upgraded car park providing mobility car parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points.
The project is intended to complement the Irish Palatine Museum, housed in the adjoining former Railway Station House.
Limerick City and County Council Director of Services Gordon Daly said the Rathkeale project would reinforce the link between the Limerick Greenway and the rich built heritage of the town.
“The Greenway is a precious amenity for local, national and international visitors and we are committed to ongoing works to restore historic gems such as the Railway Goods Shed, and to enhance services at each of the visitor hubs along the route.
“Development of the Limerick Greenway Hub @Rathkeale is a key strategic project for the council and with plans in place for an active travel link to the town, the hub will become a major focal point.”
The projected completion date is next December and the council will also start work on a new Greenway car park at Station Road, Newcastle West later this year.
Architect led design teams have been appointed to advance the design/master planning on further Greenway Hubs at Ardagh and Abbeyfeale. This will involve the restoration of Ardagh Station House and Abbeyfeale Railway Goods Shed along with public realm enhancements, visitor facilities and improved car parking.
A design team has also been appointed to prepare plans to complete works on the Barnagh Station House that was acquired and partly restored by the Council in 2021.
Construction of additional cattle under and overpasses on the Greenway that has been underway since earlier this year will be completed by July improving the visitor experience and assisting landowners adjacent to the greenway.
Feasibility studies into extending the Greenway from Rathkeale to Adare and Patrickswell are underway while the council continues to liaise with Iarnród Éireann to examine the feasibility of providing a Greenway alongside the Limerick to Foynes railway line.
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