This funding has been approved to Limerick County Council (which is also providing significant capital investment for the project) in respect of work to join up the existing sections by developing an 8km trail from Newcastle West to Barnagh.

County Limerick will then have a safe traffic free dedicated cycling and walking trail from Ardagh to Abbeyfeale of approximately 26km in length.

The work will involve clearing, draining, fencing, surfacing, bridge-repair, wheelchair-friendly stiles, and signage and information boards.

Funds have also been allocated to upgrade the 4km line from Newcastle West to Ardagh with a tarred finish.

The works programme will be implemented by the project promoters Limerick County Council in association with the local community group (The Great Southern Trail Company Ltd), which have been instrumental in the project.

According to Flan Quilligan, Tourism Projects Executive, Shannon Development, the project coupled with other cycle trail investments in Clare and South Offaly are “important elements of Shannon Development’s 2008 tourism strategy for the Shannon Region”.

“Shannon Development’s aim is to develop of a world class recreational trail network which will secure long term sustainable economic benefits for less-developed areas of the Shannon Region, and is designed to create a network of trails demonstrating a best practice demonstration project for the wider national trails programme. We are working closely with Fáilte Ireland, Local Authorities and local groupings to make this a reality,” he added.

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