Limerick City and County Council has officially begun building the Limerick Greenway Hub @ Ardagh following a sod-turning ceremony in recent days.

The flagship scheme represents a major investment in West Limerick, creating a new focal point for visitors on the Limerick Greenway while showcasing Ardagh’s rich heritage.

LyMar Contracts Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor, with works scheduled to finish in the final quarter of 2027. The €6.6 million project will convert the historic Ardagh Station House and Goods Shed into a modern visitor hub featuring a café and visitor facilities, public toilets, a children’s playground, heritage interpretation celebrating the world-famous Ardagh Chalice, campervan facilities, on-site car parking with universal access spaces, and electric vehicle charging points.

A distinctive element of the plan is the installation of a restored railway carriage to provide an eye-catching space for commercial, community and tourism uses, paying tribute to the location’s rail history.

The development is funded under Category 1 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, representing a total investment of €6.6 million. It forms part of the Council’s ongoing programme to strengthen the Limerick Greenway as a leading visitor destination and to drive sustainable economic growth across rural areas.

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Those present at the sod turning included Mayor of Limerick John Moran, Príomh Chomhairleoir Cllr. Tom Ruddle, Minister of State Niall Collins TD, Senator Joanne Collins, elected members of the Newcastle West Municipal District, project stakeholders and representatives of Limerick City and County Council.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, welcomed the start of construction: "The Limerick Greenway continues to be one of the county's greatest success stories, attracting visitors from across Ireland and overseas while creating new opportunities for local businesses and communities. The Greenway Hub at Ardagh represents another major milestone in that journey. By restoring this historic railway station and creating high-quality visitor facilities, we are investing not only in tourism but also in the long-term economic and social vitality of West Limerick. I look forward to seeing this exciting project completed and becoming a destination that local people can take great pride in."

Príomh Chomhairleoir Tom Ruddle said it is a welcome investment for the area: "This is a significant day for Ardagh and for the wider West Limerick area. The project will preserve an important part of our local heritage while creating a welcoming space for visitors, families and the local community. The inclusion of heritage interpretation, community facilities and the restored railway carriage ensures that this development reflects the unique identity and history of Ardagh. I would like to acknowledge the support of the local community and everyone involved in bringing the project to this stage."

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly, is looking forward to delivering another key project on the Limerick Greenway: "The commencement of construction marks the successful progression of another strategic capital investment for County Limerick. This project demonstrates how targeted investment through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund can unlock the potential of rural communities, enhance tourism infrastructure and protect our built heritage. We look forward to working closely with LyMar Contracts Ltd and all stakeholders to deliver another first-class facility on the Limerick Greenway that will serve residents and visitors alike for many years to come.”