Plans for Limerick to Cork greenway takes step forward

PLANS FOR a new greenway stretching from the outskirts of Limerick city to the Cork border have been approved by councillors.

The proposed greenway - for cyclists and pedestrians - is planned to be built between the village of Patrickswell and Charleville, just over the border in north Cork.

The project took a big step forward when, at the bi-monthly Limerick Council meeting, an agreement was struck to team up with County Cork's local authority to begin a process which will eventually see it constructed.

It’s anticipated the public will be asked their thoughts on the greenway route before the end of the year.

Design work, the buying of land consultant employment and construction are all included in the agreement.

Deputy Mayor of Limerick Daniel McSweeney proposed the agreement be put in place, a resolution seconded by his Fine Gael colleague, Cllr Daniel Butler.

Councillor McSweeney, who lives in Patrickswell said: “This is a welcome advancement for this greenway project, as it has been a long time on the way.”

“It is also imperative we also see the advancement of the Rathkeale to Limerick Greenway alongside this project which will link up with the Limerick Greenway and now the Charleville Greenway,” added Cllr McSweeney.

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One of the route options of the proposed greenway is for it to run along the route of the former Irish Rail line.

It could ultimately be extended to Cork city as part of the development of the N/M20 Limerick to Cork road.

It will be for Limerick Council to manage the development of the first section of it, said its chief executive Dr Pat Daly.

“The overall route divided itself readily into three distinct geographical areas, namely Patrickswell to Charleville, Charleville to Mallow and Mallow to Cork with each area examined for its potential to deliver greenway and active travel infrastructure in support of the M20 project,” Dr Daly wrote in a briefing note to councillors.

Locally, the greenway would run southwards from Patrickswell and take in Croom and Bruree before crossing the border into County Cork.

Councillors in north Cork have previously expressed fears that the development of a greenway into the Rebel County could come at the expense of the swift development of the M20 motorway plan, which, having been shelved during the recession, has been back on the agenda for a number of years.