MAJOR DEVELOPMENT and upgrading works are to take place on a walking and cycling route along the former Limerick to Kerry railway line.
Limerick County Council yesterday signed a €552,638 contract to commence works on the Great Southern Trail which will mean a significant tourism boost for the region in 2009.
The dismantled rail lines from Newcastle West to Barnagh and Newcastle West to Ardagh, Co Limerick, is still owned by Iarnrod Éireann, which will oversee part of the works. The additional works to be undertaken involve approximately 11 km of railway line.
Anthony Coleman, administrative officer, of the council, said: “This project is one of a number of cycling and walking trails being developed in Co Limerick and will form part of a designated national cycling network linked to cycling hub towns, such as Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West, to improve infrastructure and facilities for both tourists and locals.
“The rolling green landscape of west Limerick and north Kerry, much of it untouched by development, makes them ideal locations for the outdoor enthusiast and casual walker alike. The Great Southern Trail is a unique 53-mile stretch of countryside in west Limerick and north Kerry and will benefit greatly from the planned improvement and upgrading works,” he added.
More information on the Great Southern Trail can be found on www.southerntrail.net