Limerick City and County Council has completed a new link road in Abbeyfeale, connecting the N21 Main Street with the Grove Crescent car park.

The project represents a significant milestone in the delivery of the Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan and the wider public realm enhancement programme.

The road provides a direct link to the existing car park, improving access, parking, connectivity and circulation in the town centre. It also delivers 21 new on-street parking spaces to help ease demand and support local businesses.

The scheme has redeveloped the site formerly occupied by O'Riordan's Bar into key town centre infrastructure. Works included construction of the link road, upgraded pedestrian facilities, public lighting, drainage, landscaping, street trees and additional parking, creating a more attractive and accessible environment for residents, traders and visitors.

Visiting the new link road, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented: "One of the things I hear time and again when visiting towns across Limerick is that people want progress they can actually see and make use of. This road is a good example of that. It opens up the town centre, makes it easier for people to access local businesses and services, and creates opportunities for the next phase of improvements in Abbeyfeale. It's another step towards making our towns better places to live, work and do business.

-- Advertisement --

"I would also like to acknowledge the support of the NTA and thank the Council team, Malachy Walsh and Partners, Coir Infrastructure Ltd, local elected members and the Abbeyfeale community for helping bring this project from plan to reality."

Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Newcastle West, Cllr Liam Galvin, added: "People in Abbeyfeale have been hearing about this project for a long time, so it's great to see it completed and open. Anyone coming into town will immediately notice the difference. It takes pressure off Main Street, improves access to parking and makes moving around the town centre easier and safer.

"Most importantly, it lays the groundwork for the wider improvements planned for Abbeyfeale and helps ensure the town continues to grow and thrive."

This phase represents an investment of €836,253, excluding VAT, through the construction contract. It follows the demolition of O'Riordan's Bar and the property at the junction of New Street and Colbert Terrace, and will facilitate future alterations to Main Street.

The wider plan aims to improve traffic management, pedestrian safety, accessibility and the overall attractiveness of Abbeyfeale's centre, while supporting economic growth and regeneration.

The project was designed by Malachy Walsh and Partners, who provided engineering design services, and delivered by Coir Infrastructure Ltd on behalf of Limerick City and County Council. Its completion reflects close collaboration between the Council, its consultants, contractors, elected members and the local community.

Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly said: "This is one of those projects where a relatively short stretch of road can make a real difference to how a town centre functions. It improves traffic circulation, enhances access to parking and creates a stronger foundation for future public realm improvements.

"Projects like this only succeed through cooperation, and I would like to thank everyone involved, particularly local residents and businesses, for their support and patience throughout the delivery of the works."

The scheme was funded by Limerick City and County Council with support from the National Transport Authority, as part of a broader investment in Abbeyfeale's transport infrastructure and public realm. Its completion provides a firm platform for the remaining elements of the Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan to be delivered in the coming years.