Development work has been completed on three Limerick town loops as part of the multi-million pound Great Southern Greenway Limerick redevelopment.

The town loops will integrate Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West and Rathkeale to the greenway.

Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan officially opened the developments late last week, 03 May.

Speaking at the opening of the loops Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Stephen Keary said: "It is a fantastic resource to have on our doorstep and I would encourage everyone to use it and enjoy the wonderful surroundings and facilities of West Limerick as the travel along it.

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"Tourism is an incredibly important sector, one that Limerick is beginning to grow. By having these new loops along the greenway, it will attract cyclists and walkers using the greenway into our county towns, as part of their journey. This will help to drive economic development of these towns and will help to increase the profile of the greenway, as it will be easily accessible and visible from the towns."

The Great Southern Greenway Limerick is a 39 km off-road walking and cycling route along an old railway line.

As part of the huge re-development all farm and road crossing gates have been upgraded to be more suitable for cyclists. Drainage, fencing and surface enhancement works have been carried out while new signage, cycle stands and benches have also been installed.

Future plans include the incorporation of the Barnagh Tunnel and viewing area into the Great Southern Greenway Limerick route and an extension to the greenway to Ballingarrane, north of Rathkeale.

(CM)