CONSTRUCTION is officially underway on “a jewel in Limerick’s crown”, as the sod was turned on the new €2million greenway hub at Newcastle West.
The project, known as ‘Limerick Greenway Hub @ Newcastle West Car Park’, will deliver a host of new amenities for locals, visitors, and fans of getting out and about in the fresh air.
Limerick City and County Council has described the move as “a significant milestone for active travel and tourism infrastructure in County Limerick”.
The new Newcastle West greenway hub will include a vibrant public plaza, a pedestrian and bike crossing connecting the greenway to the Bishop’s Court trail, enhanced landscaping, and expanded parking facilities for cars, bikes, coaches, and electric vehicles.
The hub will also feature public benches, bike repair stations, drinking water fountains, and improved signage.
It will be located on Station Road, adjacent to the Newcastle West Recycling Centre.
Funding was approved in May 2024 by the Rural Regeneration Fund, and the project was designed by Fehily Timoney, with works being carried out by Priority Construction Ltd. Projected costs, according to the Council, are set at around €2,179,000.
The sod turning comes just weeks after the opening of the Rathkeale greenway hub, which opened its doors on September 19, transforming a derelict 19th century railway goods shed into a state-of-the-art visitor centre through a €2.48m investment.
Cllr Michael Collins, Cathaoirleach of the Newcastle West Municipal District, said that the new hub will be “a key piece of infrastructure that will support the continued growth of green tourism in our locality”.
“I want to acknowledge the local community, the government department, the councillors, the tourism staff at Limerick City and County Council, and all the stakeholders who are working together to deliver this important project for Newcastle West and West Limerick.”
Council director general Dr Pat Daly added that “the Limerick Greenway is recognised as a jewel in Limerick’s crown and as a Council we are committed to further enhancing this reputation. This investment of more than €2m in RRDF funding will deliver more state-of-the-art facilities in Newcastle West. It is another important step in ensuring that the greenway thrives as a world-class amenity.”
