Councillors gain first-hand insight into project delivery in County Limerick town

ELECTED members in the Newcastle West Municipal District have been given a first-hand look at the progress of a series of major tourism and infrastructure projects across west Limerick, including key developments along the Limerick Greenway.

The visits focused on major project developments along the Limerick Greenway and in Newcastle West town, with councillors viewing works at the Barnagh Station House restoration project, the Limerick Greenway Hub in Newcastle West, and the Demesne parklands.

At the Limerick Greenway Hub in Newcastle West, works are progressing at pace on a significant new car park and public realm space. The development will deliver 80 parking spaces, including accessible, EV charging and coach parking, alongside seating areas, cycle facilities, lighting and a new pedestrian crossing linking directly to the Greenway. The project will also prepare the site for a future hub building and is expected to be completed in Q3 2026.

Councillors also visited Barnagh Station House, where restoration works are well underway. The project will see the historic building brought back to life as an immersive visitor experience, recreating the look and feel of a working station house from the early 1900s. The wider site will include upgraded platforms, sheltered areas, cycle parking, picnic facilities and interpretive elements. This project is also on track for completion in Q3 2026.

READ MORE: NUJ 'alarmed' at comments by Limerick's media minister on coverage of fuel protests

At the Demesne parklands in Newcastle West, members were updated on ongoing maintenance and recent improvements, including upgrades to the sensory garden. Plans are also advancing for a major enhancement of the park’s playground, with options being developed to significantly expand and reimagine the space as a modern, inclusive facility.

These projects form part of continued investment in infrastructure, tourism and community amenities across the Newcastle West Municipal District, supported by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

Councillors also received updates on a number of additional projects progressing across the Municipal District. These include the proposed West Limerick Tourism Hub at Fuller’s Folly, which is currently at detailed design stage and is expected to move to construction later this year.

Further elements of the Limerick Greenway Hubs Development project are also advancing, including plans for the redevelopment of the former Station House in Ardagh into a fully serviced visitor hub, incorporating a café, playground and campervan facilities.

In Abbeyfeale, funding has been secured to bring the former goods shed redevelopment project to shovel-ready stage, in preparation for a future RRDF application to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The site visits and project updates provided councillors with an opportunity to see first-hand the scale of progress being made across the district and to engage directly with project teams on timelines and next steps.