Limerick, Ireland

Green, accessible and multi-functional routes to link up natural habitats

Limerick City’s main areas of natural habitats containing significant biodiversity are based around a large network of rivers, including the River Shannon, the Abbey River and the Ballynaclough River with associated wetlands, grasslands and established woodlands.

While a rich network of greenspaces and habitats is in place, there is potential to further enhance the value and quality of these areas by creating strong, multifunctional linkages between them, in keeping with the principles of European Green Infrastructure Strategy.

As part of its GoGreenRoutes intervention, Limerick is updating the Castletroy Greenway, a popular cycling path in the city, providing connectivity between secondary and primary schools in the area. Apart from using the greenway daily for leisure, residents are also interested in growing native species along the path as a way to both promote ecological biodiversity as well as increase the enjoyment and wellbeing for users. 

As a part of revitalising the Castleroy Greenway, Limerick will focus on a spot along the naturewalk to provide a more accessible area of rest for citizens and a place for children to engage in natural play. Natural materials such as local wood will be used to create seating, and plans for a rain garden and insect hotel are underway.

Since intervention planning, Limerick has already reported a striking increase in usage of the Greenway, to the extent that a local primary school identified the need to extend the path to allow more users.

Such linkages, if properly planned and implemented, can provide a range of ecosystem services including: creating ecological corridors for wildlife movement; providing active travel routes and encouraging healthier lifestyles; improving wellbeing through contact with nature; improving air quality and even reducing flood risk where Sustainable Urban Drainage features are included.