Application to An Coimisiún Pleanála for Approval to carry out the development described hereunder as part of the Limerick City Greenway (UL to NTP) Project
NOTICE PURSUANT TO: SECTION 51 OF THE ROADS ACT 1993 (AS AMENDED)
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO AN COIMISIÚN PLEANÁLA FOR APPROVAL
In accordance with Section 51 of the Roads Act (1993) (As amended), notice is hereby given that Limerick City & County Council has applied to An Coimisiún Pleanála “the Board” for approval to carry out the development described hereunder in the townlands of Dromroe, Sreelane, Newcastle and Castletroy, Co. Limerick. The proposed Limerick City Greenway (UL to NTP) Project (‘greenway’) will be 4.25km long and will consist of a 3.3km long and 3.0-4.0m wide shared path on existing paths or in green fields, and 0.9km of separated 1.8m wide footpaths and 1.8-2.0m wide cycle lanes alongside the eastern and western sides of University Road and McLaughlan Road.
The proposed development will consist of:
- Site investigations including Archaeological test trenching;
- Site clearance including removal of 61 No. trees, and earthworks;
- Construction of 3.9km of haul roads which will become the base of the proposed Greenway;
- Set up and reinstatement of four temporary construction compound areas, and one temporary working area;
- Construction of 3.3km of a shared path, and 0.9km of segregated cycle lanes and footpaths (alongside University Road and McLaughlan Road).
- Construction of two new bridges, replacement of three concrete bridge decks with new steel decks, and 25 No. culverts;
- Construction of a new concrete retaining wall and an access ramp to Plassey Beach;
- Relocation of existing utilities/services and installation of Public Lighting;
- Installation of wooden and metal parapet fencing;
- Construction of safety barriers, dipped kerbs, and raised tables at interfaces with roads;
- Provision of information boards, signage, bike racks, and benches at amenity/rest areas;
- Landscaping including planting of 305 No. native Irish trees, hedgerows, riparian grasses, and pollinator plants in accordance with the National Biodiversity Action Plan; and,
- Reinstatement works.
Limerick City and County Council carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report in accordance with the requirements of Article 120 (1B)(b)(i) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) and determined that there is potential for significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development , accordingly, an EIA report was prepared in respect of the proposed development.
Limerick City & County Council carried out an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report and has determined that a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment (Natura Impact Statement (NIS)) was required for the proposed development. Accordingly, an NIS report was prepared and submitted under Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, (as amended) for the purposes of the Article 6 of the Habitats Directive.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development including the Environmental Impact Assessment and Natura Impact Statement will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy from 21st August 2025 up to and including 9th of October 2025 during public opening hours (excluding bank holidays) at the Customer Services Desk, Limerick City & County Council, Merchant’s Quay, Limerick, V94 EH90, at the Planning and Environmental Services Department, Limerick City & County Council Offices, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick V94 WV78, and at the Reception Desk of An Coimisiún Pleanála, 64 Marlborough St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 V902.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection online during the above time frame at https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/case-search. Plans and particulars of the proposed development will also be available for inspection online at https://mypoint.limerick.ie. An Coimisiún may, in relation to an application for approval under Section 51 of the 1993 Roads Act (as amended), by order, approve the proposed development with or without modifications or it may refuse such development or any part thereof.
Submissions and observations in relation to the proposed development may be made in writing to An Coimisiún Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin, D01 V902 on or before 5.30pm on 9th of October 2025 in relation to:
1. The implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned;
2. The likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and
3. The likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site, if carried out.
The cost of making a submission to the Board will be €50 unless you are a person or organisation that is exempt from paying a fee.
A person may question the validity of a decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No. 15 of 1986), in accordance with sections 50 and 50A of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (No. 30 of 2000), as amended. Practical information on the review mechanism can be found in the Judicial Review Notice on the An Bord Pleanála website: www.pleanala.ie or on the Citizens Information Service website: www.citizensinformation.ie.
It should be noted that the Freedom of Information Act applies to all records held by Limerick City & County Council.
Signed : Patricia Liddy, Director of Service
Transportation & Mobility Directorate
Date : 21st August 2025
Limerick City and County Council, Merchant’s Quay, Limerick