Monday, 27 October 2025
Limerick Among Top Local Authorities for Active Travel Delivery in 2024 Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) has been ranked among the top three local authorities in Ireland for the delivery of active travel infrastructure in 2024, according to the latest Climate Action KPI Report published by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). The report […]
Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) has been ranked among the top three local authorities in Ireland for the delivery of active travel infrastructure in 2024, according to the latest Climate Action KPI Report published by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA).
The report highlights a remarkable year of progress for Limerick’s Active Travel team, which delivered 76 projects in 2024, a substantial increase from 22 projects in 2023. In total, 17.2 kilometres of new active travel infrastructure were completed this year, up from 15.6 kilometres the previous year.
Transport remains one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland, accounting for nearly 20% of national emissions. Encouraging people to walk, cycle, or use public transport is therefore a critical element of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to halve emissions by 2030.
By expanding its active travel network, Limerick City and County Council is helping to reduce car dependency, one of the primary drivers of urban air pollution and carbon emissions. The creation of safer, more accessible routes enables residents to choose lower-emission forms of transport, contributing to both national climate targets and cleaner local air quality.
The 2024 projects encompass a wide variety of initiatives designed to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists across the city and county.
Key projects include:
Safe Routes to School schemes at Crescent College Comprehensive and Laurel Hill Avenue
New zebra crossings at Ballycummin Road, Castlemahon Village, Knockainey National School, Kildimo National School, and Askeaton National School
Footpath and junction upgrades, alongside segregated cycle lanes on Father Russell Road and sections of Childers Road
Public realm improvements at Castle Court, Castletroy
The installation of new bus stops and shelters throughout Limerick City and County
The achievements were celebrated at the official launch of the Father Russell Road Active Travel Scheme in Raheen, Limerick. The project was completed by Limerick City and County Council and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The event was attended by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, and James Lawless TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport.
Mayor Moran praised the efforts of the Council, stating:
“This ranking is a testament to the hard work of our council in prior years and a clear sign that we are building a more sustainable and connected future for our residents.
A key pillar of the Mayoral Programme is to ensure we either achieve or are well on the way to achieving the status of Ireland’s first city with a fully integrated, safe Active Travel network. Tripling the number of projects this year shows we are not resting on our laurels, but are fully committed to continuing to make active travel a safe and attractive choice.”
Dr. Pat Daly, Director General of Limerick City and County Council, highlighted how this progress supports long-term sustainability goals:
“This marks a positive step forward in delivering sustainable transport infrastructure. With every completed project we are closer to the connected and integrated active travel network that is built to high standards in terms of safety and accessibility, helping to reduce reliance on private cars and to ease congestion.”
Active travel infrastructure does not exist in isolation, it forms part of a wider effort to design more liveable, compact, and connected communities. In Limerick, new cycleways and footpaths are being developed alongside public realm improvements that make neighbourhoods more inviting and accessible.
This integration supports Ireland’s “Town Centre First” and “10-Minute Town” strategies, which aim to ensure that essential services, schools, and workplaces are reachable within a short walk or cycle. As more residents can safely travel without cars, streets become calmer, local businesses gain from increased footfall, and communities grow stronger and healthier.
The inclusion of Safe Routes to School schemes is particularly significant. By improving crossings, footpaths, and cycle lanes around schools, Limerick is making it easier and safer for children to walk or cycle instead of being driven.
Beyond the environmental benefits, this initiative helps foster independence, physical activity, and road safety awareness among students. For parents, fewer cars around school gates also mean reduced congestion and improved safety for everyone.
Community engagement remains central to these efforts. The Active Travel team regularly collaborates with residents’ associations, schools, and local groups to ensure that projects reflect local needs and deliver long-term value to neighbourhoods.
Following a record year of delivery, LCCC’s Active Travel team plans to build on this momentum throughout 2025. The focus will remain on expanding cycling and walking routes, improving junction safety, and ensuring accessibility for all users. These efforts align with Ireland’s national climate action goals and the NTA’s mission to create safer, more sustainable transport networks across the country.
Limerick’s position among Ireland’s top-performing local authorities underscores its leadership in sustainable transport development. Through collaboration between the Council, the National Transport Authority, and local communities, Limerick is steadily transforming its streets into safer, more connected, and climate-friendly spaces, setting a strong example for other regions across Ireland.
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