General Industry

Cycleway Success Continues Out West

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Cycleway Success Continues Out West

A major cycle and walkway facility developed along a closed-down railway line in West Limerick is to be further extended to the Kerry border. Limerick County Council has supported the further development of the Great Southern Trail (GST) taking it to the Kerry/Limerick border at Kilmorna. The trail stretches along 36km, from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale, on the old Limerick to Tralee line which closed down in 1977. The line covered 85k and the proposed 3km extension will open up the trail from Abbeyfeale to Kilmorna. The extension means that, in future, an entire marathon could be run along the trail. Des Moore, of the rural recreation section at the Department of the Environment said: "The Great Southern Trail has the potential to become part of a national network of cycling/walking trails of international standard which will act as a driver for rural development and tourism, notwithstanding the obviously enhanced health and well being of the local communities this development is intended to support." Liam O’Mahony from Newcastle West, one of the original community leaders to promote the opening of the old rail line as a recreational amenity, said the further addition was a very positive development. Mr O’Mahony said: "As the trail has developed, the tourism benefits have become obvious and it is hoped it will be emulated in Kerry."

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