LIMERICK City and County Council say they wish to allay people’s concerns about the operation of the Limerick Greenway, following publication of the preferred option for the N21 Newcastle West Road Scheme.
According to a spokesperson: “Limerick City and County Council is aware of the concerns expressed by the public in respect to the potential impact the scheme may have on the Limerick Greenway.
“We do not expect the operation of the Limerick Greenway to be interrupted by the presence of the new road as it is planned that the greenway will pass under the road unhindered via two purpose-built underpasses.”
The next phase in the development of the road scheme will involve the Council and its consultants progressing the project design further and examining in greater detail the potential impacts on the environs around Newcastle West. These include the impact on private dwellings, landholdings, businesses and, along with other important features and facilities to be considered, the Limerick Greenway.
“We will continue to work to ensure that the impact on the Greenway is mitigated as much as possible with the use of measures such as noise barriers, screen planting, landscaping and any other mitigation measures that might be identified during the ongoing design process,” added the spokesperson.
The Limerick Greenway is 40 kilometres in length following the route of the now defunct Great Southern Railway and connects the market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale.
Sections of the greenway run through farming land, urban areas, woodland as well as running parallel to the existing N21 southeast of Newcastle West.
“The Limerick Greenway is a hugely important amenity for locals and visitors, the enjoyment of which will not be impacted on by the road,” concluded the spokesperson.
Details of the Preferred Option for the N21 Newcastle West Road Scheme can be viewed at n21newcastlewest.ie. Limerick City and County Council has invited the public through the public display process, to comment and make observations on any aspects of the proposals presented and are encouraging people to make their views known to us in this regard.
The Public Display is due to close on Tuesday December 7.
