A network of connected walking and cycling trails is being created across the Midlands region. The recreational shared cycle and walkways through Bord na Móna lands are being funded by an EU Just Transition Fund. EU Just Transition funding supports the transition of the Midlands to a carbon-neutral destination. The fund is designed to support projects that have significant regenerative impacts on local communities and peatlands. Bord na Móna has recently called a permanent end to peat harvesting as it moves to become a climate solutions business focused on renewable energy, peatland rehabilitation, and recycling. Here are some of the funded projects across the midlands.
Trail Development Scheme
As a beneficiary of the Trail Development element of the Scheme, Bord na Móna has been awarded €3.6 million towards the creation of up to 79 km of new walking and cycling trails across suitable parts of the Bord na Móna landbank in the following areas:
- Longford, between Lanesborough and Cloondara,
- Roscommon, between Termonbarry and Roosky,
- Westmeath, between Athlone and Ballinahown,
- Offaly East—between Grand Canal Greenway and Mount Lucas
- Offaly West—around Clonmacnoise, Ballinahown and Lough Boora
- Tipperary: between Littleton/Lough Doire Bhuile
Longford
In Longford, planning permission has just been granted to construct walking and cycling trails. The development includes the repurposing of 5.2 km of an existing former rail bed. Car parking facilities will be constructed at a number of gateway locations along the route, including Knappogue Bog Amenity Trail, Lanesborough, and the townland of Begnagh.
Westmeath
In Westmeath, planning permission has been granted for a 7-kilometre cycle and walkway track on Bord na Móna lands outside Athlone. The project will see the repurposing of existing former rail beds along existing bog headlands/former high fields and along pre-existing machine access routes. The recreational shared cycle and walkway plans include the townlands of Derries, Carrickobrien, Bunnahinly, Clonbonny, Corralena, Kilgarvan Glebe, Ballinahownwood, and Ballinahown, and parts of the existing Bunahinly and Kilgarvan bogs.
Offaly
As well as repurposing 16,919 metres of existing former rail bed for the Offaly recreational development, it is also proposed to repurpose 8.960 metres along existing Bord na Móna bog headlands/former high fields. The proposed shared cycle and walkway is designed to connect into the Grand Canal Way, the Offaly Way, and the Lough Boora Adventure Trails. Upgrade works to Brosna Bridge and the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the Grand Canal within the Turraun townsland also form part of the Bord na Móna plans.
The ambition for a connected trail network will firmly establish the Midlands as a compelling destination for outdoor activities, supporting the creation of new jobs in ancillary and related activities and connecting back into towns and villages.
