Green Limerick: Million euro boost for greenways dotted around city and county

OVER €1m has been allocated for the upgrade of Limerick greenways.

Ministers and public figures around Limerick have welcomed government funding of €1,150,000 for Limerick City and County Council to upgrade greenway projects in the region.

Some of the Limerick outdoor amenities to benefit from the funding include: Rathkeale - Adare - Patrickswell route, Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale, Patrickswell to Colbert Station and University of Limerick (UL) to Montpelier via Castleconnell.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien along with Minister Seán Canney and Minister Jerry Buttimer announced the funding.

READ ALSO: Citizen scientists record NO2 levels

This allocation of €67 million for the Greenways programme is in addition to approximately €293 million allocated to fund the Active Travel programme, announced by the National Transport Authority in January 2025.

The Active Travel programme supports a range of walking and cycling schemes including improved pedestrian environments, new segregated cycling lanes, pedestrian and cycling bridges, and pedestrian crossings.

This is part of a combined allocation of €360 million for walking and cycling infrastructure in 2025.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan said he welcomes the news that Minister O’Brien is now “drawing from exchequer funding to further support Limerick”.

“Transport infrastructure of all kinds is a key priority for this government, delivering on the needs of people living and working in our rural communities and regional cities,” he said.

“This network of greenways is a sustainable and safe way for people to travel. It’s really good news for Limerick,” said Minister O’Donovan.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have been tasked with the programme management of the National Cycle Network Plan.

This plan was published in January 2024 and identifies cycling corridors around the country linking cities and towns of over 5,000 people.

Minister Niall Collins also said he is “thrilled” to see a “substantial investment” in greenways across Limerick.

“Greenways make our communities safer and more accessible for both walkers and cyclists and encourage active travel by all.

“I am confident that these projects will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of our residents.

“I welcome the continued focus on making active travel a practical option for people, and this funding is a welcome step towards that focus and shows a strong commitment to promoting sustainable and active travel options in Limerick.”

Senator Dee Ryan said she is “delighted” for her locality in Castleconnell and also, for the Patrickswell to Cobert Station route.

“Specifically in my own area of Castleconnell, the UL to Montpelier loop, has been much longed for as it will allow it to open up Castleconnell as a destination for locals and visitors alike,” she said.

“I’d like to congratulate the various sporting and community groups in Castleconnell, this is a great day and their extensive efforts over the past few years will soon become a reality.

“I am also delighted to hear about the Patrickswell to Colbert Station. This is opening up Limerick city to Kerry.

“This will be huge for commuters and will greatly support growing tourism.”