LIMERICK city councillors are getting behind a proposal to create four new walking, running and cycling routes, named after Limerick’s Olympian sporting heroes. The three proposed routes in the city – and a fourth one in the county – will provide safe and scenic places to exercise at three locations and over three distances in the city. The Frank O’Mara trail will extend from the Old Canal Lock Gates to the University of Limerick covering a distance of 5.8 k. The second trail is named after Neil Cusack and covers a distance 2.8 k from Shannon Bridge to the Clonmacken roundabout, while the third extends from Athlunkard Bridge to Grove Island, covering a distance of 3.5k and dedicated to the achievements of Michael O’Shea.
The final trail is in the county area and will be named for Niall O’Shaughnessy and stretches over 2.3 k in a loop starting at St Nicholas’ Church in Adare Village
Christened the Limerick Olympic Trails, the initiative has been devised by the Limerick City of Sport committee and Limerick AC
In a presentation to the members of the city’s Transport and Infrastructure committee this week, representatives of the athletics club said the aim of the initiative was to “promote a unique set of safe, mainly off-road trails suitable for runners, joggers and walkers of all levels throughout Limerick City and County.
The project is being supported nationally by the Olympic Council of Ireland and Athletics Ireland. Members heard that the project is a “very positive development that will further strengthen and reinforce the image of Limerick as Ireland’s premier sporting city”.
With most of the work already in place, and funding secured, the City Council is being asked to support the erection of signs for the trails and promote them.
Councillors agreed unanimously to recommend the project to the local authority.
