Plans for new cycling routes in Kinnitty

Two developments aimed at making Kinnitty more attractive to cyclists and pedestrians have moved a step closer with the plans recently going out on public display.

The developments include a new 790-metre 'route to the trails' pedestrian and cycle path, along the R421, between the village and the Kinnitty GAA club entrance.

The new cycle path is designed to improve access from Kinnitty village to the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails. It will be predominantly 2.3 metres in width, and the work due to be carried out will incorporate road-widening, new road linings, public lighting, a road crossing, and modifications to the entrance of the GAA grounds.

In addition to this, a 'Kinnitty Woods loop', a 2km novice-grade mountain bike trail, is to be developed on 7.2 hectares of land. This will be situated within woods and lands that are around the curtilage of Kinnitty Castle.

Last year, a total of €500k in funding, under the Government's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, was awarded for these cycling and pedestrian improvements in Kinnitty as well as to a project aimed at 'rediscovering' the historic bridges of Castle Bernard Demesne (Kinnitty Castle).

Under the Part 8 Planning Process, details of the 'route to the trails' and the 'Kinnitty Woods loop' were advertised recently and are now available for viewing on the internet and at Birr civic offices.

They can be viewed online at: offaly.ie/eng/Services/Planning/Public-Consultation/Part-8-Route-to-Trails-Kinnitty.html

Public submissions or observations on the plans can be made in writing to Director of Services Stephane Duclot at Offaly County Council's offices, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, up until October 18.