Steering group to progress Clara greenway project

A steering group has been established to progress plans for a cycling and walking trail between Clara and Streamstown.

Offaly County Council Regeneration Officer Olwen Cummins confirmed the local authority's regeneration team were in the process of preparing a tender to appoint a design team to progress concept design, and a potential subsequent planning application.

The project is being progressed by the Regeneration Team in Offaly County Council, in partnership with the Clara Town Team.

Ms Cummins said work will include “engagement with relevant stakeholders, landowners, and the wider community”.

“Offaly County Council intend to publish this tender during the first quarter of 2026," Ms Cummins said.

Formulated following a collaborative process which included input from Offaly County Council, the Town Team, Town Regeneration Officer and local residents and business owners, the Clara Town Centre First Plan was published in July 2023.

The plan cites the Clara to Streamstown cycling and walking amenity as one of twelve projects to be progressed.

It is likely to use much of the disused Clara to Streamstown rail spur, an offshoot from the former Clara to Banagher rail line for the project.

“The former railway line provides an opportunity for a new greenway route that will provide a new amenity resource for the local community, as well as being an attractor of visitors to the town,” the Clara Town First plan states.

“The southern end of the greenway would connect to the town centre with the creation of a new entrance point at the railway bridge on River Street, and through time becoming an established part of the urban fabric of Clara.

“The purpose of the greenway project is to maximise the environmental, social and economic benefits this significant green infrastructure asset has to offer the town.

“The greenway can become a unique asset for Clara by attracting increased visitors, while also providing a new amenity for the local community.

“In addition, the greenway will promote active modes of travel and sustainable movement in and out of the town centre while also encouraging physical activity and health and well-being outcomes,” the plan said.

The Athlone to Mullingar greenway, known as the Old Rail Trail, passes through the former Streamstown station, allowing the two greenways to potentially link.