Limerick Council group want to fast-track greenway works between city and Rathkeale for 2027

Calls to fast-track the “urgent completion” of the greenway link between Rathkeale and Limerick City ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup have been made.

The Travel and Transport Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) are calling on the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and the leadership of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to fast-track the project to connect the existing Limerick Greenway with the city. They will now draft a formal letter to send.

The SPC group, part of Limerick City and County Council, is giving “its full support” to the motion, which was proposed by Dave Tobin of the Limerick Cycling Campaign.

The proposal received unanimous backing from elected councillors and committee members.

“We have a chance to deliver something transformative for Limerick, not just for the Ryder Cup, but for how we connect our towns, grow tourism, support local businesses, and give people real alternatives to the car,” said Dave Tobin.

The existing Greenway from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale has welcomed more than 1.5 million visits since its upgrade, bringing business to west Limerick towns and villages and supporting jobs in cafés, bike rentals, B&Bs, and shops.

“But the route currently stops short of Limerick city, leaving the largest population centre in the region disconnected,” spokespeople have agreed.

The motion called for the full delivery of the route from Rathkeale to Limerick City before 2027, but made clear that if this cannot be achieved in time, the city-to-Adare section should be prioritised.

This would align with the opening of the Adare Bypass and offer a low-carbon, crowd-free option for visitors attending the Ryder Cup.

“A complete greenway link would mean a child in Raheen could cycle with their family to Adare,” Dave continued.

“This is a jobs and rural regeneration project as much as it is about tourism or sport.”

From the Limerick Leader 17/06/2025

PICTURE: Seán Curtin, True Media.