Castletroy Urban Greenway
About this good practice
The Castletroy Urban Greenway is a 1.3-kilometer off-road walking and cycling route located in Castletroy, a peripheral urban area of Limerick City in the Southern Region of Ireland. Managed and delivered by Limerick City and County Council, the project aligns with broader efforts to enhance active travel options in the region. Designed to promote active travel and safe commuting, the greenway provides a secure, car-free path connecting local schools, playgrounds, residential areas, and shops. It aims to encourage healthier lifestyles while improving local accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The route is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a key feature for sustainable urban mobility in the area.
A notable feature of the Castletroy Urban Greenway is its commitment to enhancing biodiversity and green space within the community. Wildflower plantings along the path create a visually appealing environment while supporting local pollinators. As part of the EU-funded GoGreenRoutes project, a section of the greenway was transformed from a brownfield site into a sustainable play area, integrating nature-based solutions to promote environmental quality and well-being. The greenway aligns with Limerick’s active travel initiatives, focusing on reducing car dependency and creating safer, more attractive spaces for walking and cycling. The greenway not only offers a practical travel option but also serves as a leisure space for residents and visitors.
Resources needed
The Castletroy Urban Greenway thrives on quality infrastructure, funding, and community input. Investment ensures safety, expansion, and upkeep, while local engagement and policy support align it with active travel and sustainability goals. Funded by the National Transport Authority.
Evidence of success
The Castletroy Urban Greenway has gained recognition for its design and community impact. In 2024, Limerick City and County Council won the Public Space and Planning Award for transforming a brownfield site into a sustainable play area on the greenway under the EU-funded GoGreenRoutes project. The greenway promotes active travel, recreation, and biodiversity, linking schools, shops, and homes. It serves as a model for sustainable urban development, enhancing social and environmental well-being.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Castletroy Urban Greenway serves as a strong model for sustainable mobility and quality of life in peripheral urban areas. Its safe, off-road walking and cycling infrastructure promotes active travel while reducing car dependency. Well-integrated with schools, shops, and homes, it enhances accessibility and liveability. Biodiversity features like wildflower planting and natural play areas show how greenways can support environmental sustainability. Developed with national and EU project funding, its collaborative planning, multi-level governance, and phased development—including its planned extension to the National Technology Park—demonstrate best practices for long-term success. Lessons from its stakeholder collaboration, funding approach, and infrastructure planning could be applied in other regions to create sustainable, community-focused greenways.
