PLANS have been submitted by Limerick City and County Council for a new greenway on the outskirts of the city, stretching just over four kilometres from the Groody Roundabout to the National Technology Park (NPT) in Plassey.
The proposed UL to NTP Greenway, according to plans submitted by the Council, will stretch 4.25km from the roundabout between the University of Limerick (UL) and the Parkway Retail Park, with two exists at the NTP.
The route, as laid out in the plans, continues along the River Shannon behind the UL Boat Club, past Plassey Beach and Cook Medical, exiting onto University Road and McLaughlan Road by the NTP, creating a scenic walking and cycling route along the river.
Images included with the application include improved surfaces and safety railings along the proposed route, including road markings for cyclists and pedestrians.
The Council’s planning application notes that the proposed development will include site investigations and archaeological test trenching; site clearance including the removal of 61 trees and earthworks, the construction of 3.9km of haul roads for the base of the greenway; new concrete retaining wall and access ramp to Plassey beach; wooden and metal parapet fencing; two new bridges and the replacement of three concrete bridge decks with new steel decks and 25 culverts; and safety barriers, dipped kerbs, and raised tables at road interfaces.
Also included in the plans are the planting of 305 native Irish trees, hedgegrows, riparian grasses, and pollinator plants, along with public lighting, information boards, signage, bike racks, and benches at amenity and rest areas for the enjoyment of visitors to the greenway.
The Council said that an environment impact assessment (EIA) screening report was carried out and determined a “potential for significant effects on the environment” arising from the development, adding that a further EIA report was carried out accordingly.
Plans for the proposed new greenway are freely available on pleanala.ie and from the Council’s mypoint.limerick.ie website. They are also available for a fee from the local authority offices at Merchant’s Quay up until September 8.
Submissions and observations in relation to the new greenway can be made in writing to An Coimisiún Pleanála before 5.30pm on September 8.
