Elected members of the Newcastle West Municipal District have visited a series of locations to receive on-the-ground updates on projects they are championing.

The tour concentrated on major developments along the Limerick Greenway and in Newcastle West town, including the Barnagh Station House restoration, the Limerick Greenway Hub in Newcastle West, and the Demesne parklands.

These initiatives form part of sustained investment in infrastructure, tourism and community amenities across the district, supported by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

At the Limerick Greenway Hub in Newcastle West, construction is advancing on a substantial new car park and public realm. The scheme will deliver 80 parking spaces, including accessible bays, EV charging and coach parking, plus seating, cycle facilities, lighting and a new pedestrian crossing linking directly to the Greenway. The works also prepare the site for a future hub building, with completion targeted for Q3 2026.

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Restoration at Barnagh Station House is well progressed. The historic structure is being transformed into an immersive visitor experience, evoking the look and feel of an operational early-1900s station house. The wider site will feature upgraded platforms, sheltered areas, cycle parking, picnic facilities and interpretive elements, with delivery also due in Q3 2026.

In the Demesne parklands, councillors were briefed on ongoing maintenance and recent upgrades, including improvements to the sensory garden. Plans are moving forward for a major enhancement of the playground, with options being developed to significantly expand and reimagine it as a modern, inclusive facility.

Members also received updates on additional schemes across the district. The proposed West Limerick Tourism Hub at Fuller's Folly is at detailed design and is expected to proceed to construction later this year.

Further elements of the Limerick Greenway Hubs Development are progressing, including the redevelopment of the former Station House in Ardagh into a fully serviced visitor hub incorporating a café, playground and campervan facilities.

In Abbeyfeale, funding has been secured to advance the former goods shed redevelopment to shovel-ready status, ahead of a future RRDF application to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The site visits enabled councillors to see first-hand the scale of progress across the district and to engage directly with project teams on delivery timelines and next steps.