by Alan Jacques
LIMERICK City and County Council has stepped up to assume responsibility for the management and maintenance of the Great Southern Trail and has outlined its plans for the maintenance, promotion and development of the popular amenity.
The local authority put its best foot forward this week after the Irish Sports Council confirmed that the trail has been added to the National Trails Scheme under the council’s jurisdiction.
Limerick City and County Council also signed a licence agreement with CIE to operate the 41-kilometre Greenway, which runs along the old Limerick to Tralee railway line to the Kerry County boundary at Kilmorna via Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West and Rathkeale.
Previously managed and maintained by the Great Southern Trail Limited (GST), the news has been welcomed by Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr Liam Galvin.
Limerick’s first citizen joined members of the local community in Newcastle West last weekend to celebrate 25 years of achievement by local community development groups in managing the Greenway.
“The rolling green landscape of West Limerick, much of it untouched by development, has established the Great Southern Trail as a popular route for the outdoor enthusiast and casual walker alike,” Mayor Galvin enthused.
“There had been real fears however, that the trail would be left without a proper management structure in place to maintain this very popular off-road walking and cycling route. I am delighted that Limerick City and County Council has stepped in and has committed to maintaining the trail into the future,” said the Abbeyfeale native.
“The Great Southern Trail makes its way through the West Limerick countryside giving walkers and cyclists the opportunity to stop off in towns and villages along the route including Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale.
“As well as providing a direct link between the various communities, the route generates considerable business for the local economy”, he added.
Mayor Galvin also paid tribute to the Great Southern Trail Limited, adding that he looked forward to their ongoing promotion of and support for the route.
