Multi-million euro Active Travel scheme launched in built-up Limerick area

THE FATHER Russell Road Active Travel Scheme in Raheen has been officially launched.

The launch comes after 1km of roadworks, which stretch between Racefield Roundabout and the entrance to Gouldavoher residential area, were completed. 

Limerick City and County Council have officially launched this Active Travel scheme for the area, which provides pedestrians and cyclists with “high standard” infrastructure on the road. 

The launch of the project took place at St Paul’s National School, Dooradoyle, and will see those students and staff, as well as the general public and those living in the locality, benefit from the new facilities. These include upgraded footpaths and bus stops, new segregated cycling lanes and “enticing landscaping”.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA) said this scheme sets a “great example” for future projects in Limerick. 

“The opening of this scheme in Limerick city is a great example of how we are providing people in local communities with more sustainable travel options,” she said. 

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“The recently published Walking and Cycling Index found that, every day, those who walk and cycle take nearly 32,000 cars off the road in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area. 

“By further improving our active travel infrastructure in Limerick, we will encourage more people to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for their everyday journeys.”

The project is described as “a key element” of the Active Travel network on the west side of the city. On the Racefield side, it will connect with the Raheen Roundabout to Quinn’s Cross Active Travel Scheme, which is currently under construction. 

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless TD, said this scheme will “act as a model for further development” in Limerick. 

“It is great to see such projects come to fruition,” Minister Lawless said. 

“Like the many other schemes delivered by Limerick's Active Travel team, it can act as a model for further development of the city's cycle network in years to come.”

On the other side, it will connect with the St Paul’s to Ballykeefe Active Travel Scheme, which has received planning permission and is expected to go to site in 2025.

The completion of the scheme is the latest addition to Limerick’s “quickly growing” Active Travel network, following the completion of the Childers Road Scheme in April 2024.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran added: “The completion of the Limerick Metropolitan Area’s Active Travel network is continuing to be carried out at a high standard and a quick pace. 

“Strong pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on the West side of the city that is accessible for all will provide an important element of making the Raheen/Mungret area a true ’15 minute neighbourhood’. This project will provide a vital connecting piece to link what is a heavily populated residential area to the Raheen Industrial Estate and the city centre in time.

“I’m looking forward to the continued rollout of Limerick’s Active Travel network in the months and years ahead, keenly supported by funding from the NTA and the Department of Transport.”

Additionally, projects in Plassey Park in Castletroy and near Ros Mor on the Old Cork Road are anticipated to be completed before the end of the year.

While 20 trees along the road were removed to construct the scheme, they have been recycled as part of a natural play area that has been developed in Le Chéile National School, Roxboro Road. A further 50 new trees have been planted, which will consist of a mix of native, naturalised and climate resilient species.

Native wildflower meadows, spring and summer bulbs and shrubs have also been planted as part of the project, with assistance from the Active Travel team’s dedicated Parks & Landscape Officer.

The Father Russell Road Active Travel Scheme was allocated €2m in funding by the NTA in 2024, €1m in 2023 and €200,000 in 2022.

The Father Russell Road Active Travel Scheme is considered a “strategic walking route” and forms part of the “secondary cycle network” in the context of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040, developed with consideration of the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028.