Proposal for new greenway along Limerick to Foynes railway track

A LIMERICK group is calling for a greenway to be built alongside the Foynes to Limerick railway line which is to be re-opened.

Work began in 2022 to clear the line which is expected to be finished in 2024, when freight trains are to return to the route.

Now the Great Southern Trail group is asking for stakeholders to look at the railway line to see if it suitable for a greenway to be built alongside it for cyclists.

Liam O Mahony, Cathaoirleach of the GST group says that the railway route is wide enough to accommodate both the railway track and the greenway.

Mr O'Mahony said that despite several communications from the GST there has been “no meaningful response from Limerick Council or our political representatives” on the matter.

The group is proposing that while work is being carried out on the 42km track to bring it back to life, a cycle greenway should be constructed alongside the railway simultaneously.

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In November, the first section of the track to be laid on the restored railway line landed in Foynes Port. This forms part of phase one, which will mainly see the renewal of the track.

“Sections of the route clearly show there is space for the greenway to be constructed but obviously we haven't surveyed the entire length of it”.

Mr O'Mahony says the group have not had any “meaningful engagement” with councillors.

“We have contacted Eamon Ryan and other ministers and councillors. They need to at least look at it and see if it can be done.

“They have the opportunity to do both, if they could get it done at the same time as the railway that would be great.

“We are disappointed with councillors, especially from the Adare/Rathkeale area.

“We have raised it with them and they have shown no interest even though it runs through their district”.