Work is set to get underway on a scheme to develop and upgrade a walking and cycling trail along the route of the dismantled Limerick to Tralee railway line in Ireland.

Limerick County Council (LCC) has signed a contract worth 553,000 euro (£495,000) with County Meath-based developer, Jons Civil Engineering, to start work on an 11km (6.8 mile) stretch of the Great Southern Trail.

Trails between Barnagh and Newcastle West, and Ardagh and Newcastle West, will be upgraded as part of the scheme, which also includes repairs to a viaduct at Garryduff to be carried out by Irish Rail, owners of the former railway line.

The section between Barnagh and Newcastle West will see a rolled gravel surface path installed, along with drainage, fencing and signage, while improvements between Ardagh and Newcastle West will see drainage, fencing and structures upgraded.

LCC administrative officer, Anthony Coleman, said: "This project is one of a number of cycling and walking trails being developed in County Limerick and will form part of a designated national cycling network linked to cycling hub towns such as Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West, to improve infrastructure and facilities for both tourists and locals.

The project has been part-funded by Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development agency, as part of its National Development Plan (NDP) sub-programme for product development.