West Offaly 28-kilometre cycling and walking trail gets green light

The plan to create a network of walking and cycling trails on Bord na Móna lands across the Midlands has taken another step forward in Offaly with the granting of planning permission for a 28-kilometre accessible trail in the west of the county.

The project will see almost 17,000 metres of existing former rail bed being repurposed to create the new tourist amenity between Ballinahown and Broughal and includes the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the Grand Canal within the townsland of Turraun as well as upgrades to Brosna Bridge.

Bord na Móna Energy Ltd submitted a planning application late last year for the development of a cycling and walkway trail on its lands in the townslands of Cloncraff/Bloomhill; Clonascra; Ballyduff; Clonaderg; Doon Demesne; Lackagh Beg; Lackagh More; Cormore and Corbeg; Corbane; Ballydaly; Kilcolgan Beg; Turraun; Leabeg; Leamore; Oughter; Derrmore; Bunakeeran; Lumcloon and Broughal.

Notably the route between Ballinahown and Broughal is not complete, as it does not include a section through the Lemanaghan area. Bord na Móna has said that this section would be outlined as part of a wider Lemanaghan Wind Farm Amenity Plan, subject to future planning applications.

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, and also includes upgrade works to ten local access road crossings and eight agricultural crossings; the provision of car and bicycle parking facilities at a number of Gateway locations along the proposed route, along with EV charging spaces and wayfinding and interpretative signage.

A total of four rest points are also to be provided for walkers and cyclists, and the plans also make provision for fencing and screening, including 14,909 metres of ecological screening.

The planning permission has been granted subject to eight conditions, including that all proposed boundary treatments and measures to prevent direct access from the N62 and unauthorised parking along the N62 be installed, and that archaeological monitoring of the site be carried out and supervised by a licenced archaeologist from the National Monuments Service before development commences in the untested areas where a number of proposed gateways are to be constructed.

The go-ahead for the West Offaly section of the planned Midlands Trail Network is one of two similar projects planned for the county, with the second project located in East Offaly, within the townslands of Knockballyboy, Clonad, Rathfeston, Gorteenkeel, Island, Clonarrow or Riverlyons, Drumcaw or Mountlucas, Esker Beg, Killeen, Ballyhugh, Mullalough or Cavemount, Coole, Toberdaly, Newtown, Ballycon, Esker More, Colgagh, and Clongarret.

The second project, which involves the repurposing of 18,958 metres of existing former rail bed and 827 metres along pre-existing machine access routes, is designed to connect into the existing Grand Canal Way, within the townlands of Coole and Knockballyboy, the Public Amenity Facilities at Mountlucas Wind Farm, and the Cloncreen Wind Farm Amenity Track.

Offaly Fianna Fail TD, Tony McCormack hailed the granting of planning permission for the West Offaly section of the Midlands Trail Network as “a significant investment” in the recreational and tourist offering of the county and said it will also provide “onward links to Ballinahown and Athlone” as part of the already-commenced Midlands Trail in Westmeath and a planned future connection to the monastic heritage site at Clonmacnoise.

“This is fantastic news for Offaly,” said Deputy McCormack, “we are now seeing real momentum behind projects that connect our towns, villages, and scenic amenities. This trail will bring social, health, and economic benefits to the entire region, creating jobs and attracting visitors while enhancing quality of life for local communities."

The news that Offaly's first accessible walking trail on Bord na Móna lands has been given the green light was followed by an announcement earlier this week of an allocation of €350,000 which will be used to maintain the wider Midlands Trail Network and Lough Boora Discovery Park, over the next five years.

The funding, which was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, and has been widely welcomed by local political representatives, is designed to boost tourism and enhance amenities for rural communities.

In welcoming the funding, Offaly TD, John Clendennen described Lough Boora as “one of Offaly's assets” and a place where “art, history and nature come together.” He said the funding allocated guarantees that the park and the Midlands Trail Network will be maintained “to the highest standard so that future generations can enjoy it as much as we do today.”

Deputy Clendennen said the trails are “a win for tourism, a boost for local businesses and a fantastic resource for the local community” and will ensure that Offaly remains firmly on the map as a destination for outdoor adventure.

Also welcoming the funding was MEP for the Midlands North-West, Barry Cowen, who said Offfaly will see “significant benefits” from the investment and from the creation of a network of cycling and walking trails across the Midlands.

“This is a hugely positive announcement for our region. The Midlands trail network is already transforming how people can experience our unique landscapes and this funding will ensure that investment is protected for the years ahead. I particularly welcome the benefits it will bring to Offaly, where Lough Boora is a jewel in our tourism crown” said MEP Cowen. The creation of a Midlands Trail Network across Bord na Móna's former landbank is being undertaken as part of the EU's Just Transition Fund, and this latest round of funding for the project is part of a new five-year strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Bord na Móna.

The five counties which will form part of the Midlands Trail Network are Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Tipperary. Work is already underway on the first section of the planned route – between Athlone and Ballinahown, which is expected to open to the public by summer 2026.