Limerick County Council has signed a €552,638 contract with Meath-based Jons Civil Engineering to commence works on converting the Great Southern Trail from Newcastle West to Barnagh and Newcastle West to Ardagh, Co. Limerick into a walking and cycle path.

The dismantled rail line is still owned by Irish Rail, who will undertake repairs to the viaduct at Garryduff, near Newcastle West, as part of the upgrading works.

Sections of trails from Abbeyfeale to Barnagh and Newcastle West to Ardagh are already open and being used by the public.

The additional works to be undertaken by Limerick County Council and its contractors involve approximately 11km.

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Anthony Coleman, the council's Administrative Officer, said: "This project is one of a number of cycling and walking trails being developed in County 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 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."

Mr Coleman added: "The works, which have been part funded by Fáilte Ireland under the NDP Tourism Product Development Sub-Programme, will involve the development of the section between Barnagh and Newcastle West, including the provision of a rolled gravel surface path and all associated drainage, fencing, signage and repair works to structures.

"Upgrading works will also be carried out to the existing path between Newcastle West and Ardagh, and will comprise improvements to drainage, fencing and repairs to structures."

(PR/JM)