BnM and Council unveil new sculptures at Lough Boora Discovery Park
BnM and Offaly County Council have unveiled two new sculptures, 'Regeneration' and 'Light as a Feather' by renowned Irish sculptor Kevin O’Dwyer, at Lough Boora Discovery Park.
The new works, unveiled on Tuesday, mark the first additions to the Lough Boora sculpture park since 2010. The sculpture park spans over 50 acres and currently features over 20 sculptures, with contributions from Irish and international artists.
The sculptures are the latest investment by BnM and the Creative Ireland programme in enhancing the visitor experience at one of Ireland’s most distinctive outdoor destinations.
Over €1.7 million has been invested in Lough Boora Discovery Park over the past year to enhance the facilities and the experience of visitors.
Key upgrades include the development of nine kilometres of new and improved walking and cycling trails, a four-kilometre Velo Rail route which will open in 2026, a new cycle path leading to the parklands, as well as additional maintenance and upgrades throughout the Parklands.
Lough Boora Discovery Park will attract over 90,000 visitors this year, up from 68,000 last year, reflecting its growing appeal as a centre for recreation, art and biodiversity in the Midlands.
Investment in the communities and localities where it operates is a central pillar of BnM’s 5GW renewable energy pipeline, which includes wind, solar and biomass, and is directly supporting Ireland’s National Development Plan.
“Our continued investment in Lough Boora Discovery Park demonstrates BnM’s commitment to enhancing the local amenities in the areas where we operate.
"We would like to thank Kevin for his latest artistic contribution to the park, as well as Offaly County Council for their ongoing collaboration.
"At BnM we are extremely proud of our ongoing work with our landbank, strategic partners and local communities and businesses, as we continue to build our 5GW renewable energy pipeline," Lisa Kealey, BnM Recreation Manager, said.
Kevin O’Dwyer, Sculptor and Curator of the Lough Boora Sculpture Park, said the new sculptures reflect the evolving story of the popular amenity.
"'Regeneration' draws on the form of the seed, a universal symbol of growth and new beginnings, speaking to the cycles of life. 'Light as a Feather' is a minimalist work suspended above the canal, which captures the subtle dialogue between light, water and sky.
"Together, these pieces celebrate the balance between human imagination and the living landscape that surrounds us," O'Dwyer said.
Meanwhile, Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, said the new sculptures beautifully capture the spirit of regeneration that defines Lough Boora.
"The park is an outstanding example of how art, heritage and landscape can come together to create lasting value for both residents and visitors. Offaly County Council is proud to continue to work with BnM in developing Lough Boora as a leading cultural and recreational destination," Ms Delaney stated.