Major Milestone Reached in Delivery of Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan
Limerick City and County Council announces the completion of a new link road in Abbeyfeale, creating a link between the N21 National Road and the car park at Grove Crescent. This marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan and wider public realm enhancement programme.
The new link road provides a direct connection between the N21 Main Street, Abbeyfeale and the existing car park, improving access, parking, connectivity and circulation within the town centre. The new road also provides 21 new on-street parking spaces.
The project has transformed the site formerly occupied by O’Riordan’s Bar into an important piece of town centre infrastructure. The scheme included the construction of a new link road, upgraded pedestrian facilities, public lighting, drainage infrastructure, landscaping, street trees and additional parking facilities, creating a more attractive and accessible environment for residents, businesses and visitors to Abbeyfeale.
Visiting the new link road, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented:
“One of the things I hear time and again when visiting towns across Limerick is that people want progress they can actually see and make use of. This road is a good example of that. It opens up the town centre, makes it easier for people to access local businesses and services, and creates opportunities for the next phase of improvements in Abbeyfeale. It's another step towards making our towns better places to live, work and do business.”
“I would also like to acknowledge the support of the NTA and thank the Council team, Malachy Walsh and Partners, Coir Infrastructure Ltd, local elected members and the Abbeyfeale community for helping bring this project from plan to reality.”
Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Newcastle West, Cllr Liam Galvin added:
“People in Abbeyfeale have been hearing about this project for a long time, so it's great to see it completed and open. Anyone coming into town will immediately notice the difference. It takes pressure off Main Street, improves access to parking and makes moving around the town centre easier and safer.
“Most importantly, it lays the groundwork for the wider improvements planned for Abbeyfeale and helps ensure the town continues to grow and thrive.”
The new link road represents an investment of €836,253, excluding VAT, through this construction contract and is the most recent completed phase of the Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan, following the demolition of O’Riordan’s Bar and the property at the junction of New Street and Colbert Terrace. This phase will facilitate future alterations to Main Street.
The wider plan aims to improve traffic management, pedestrian safety, accessibility and the overall attractiveness of Abbeyfeale town centre, while supporting future economic growth and regeneration.
The project was designed by Malachy Walsh and Partners, who provided engineering design services for the scheme, and delivered by Coir Infrastructure Ltd on behalf of Limerick City and County Council. The successful completion of the project reflects the strong collaboration between the Council, its consultants, contractors, elected members and the local community.
Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly said:
“This is one of those projects where a relatively short stretch of road can make a real difference to how a town centre functions. It improves traffic circulation, enhances access to parking and creates a stronger foundation for future public realm improvements.
“Projects like this only succeed through cooperation, and I would like to thank everyone involved, particularly local residents and businesses, for their support and patience throughout the delivery of the works.”
The project was funded by Limerick City and County Council, with support from the National Transport Authority, and forms part of a broader programme of investment in Abbeyfeale’s transport infrastructure and public realm.
The completion of the new link road provides a strong foundation for the delivery of the remaining elements of the Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan in the coming years.
