Clara's Brosna is a 'forgotten gem'

CLARA Heritage Society say that the River Brosna running through the town is a forgotten gem which has enormous potential for development, both in the town and in the surrounding area.
Bernie Henry of the Society told the Midland Tribune that monies have been secured by Offaly Co. Council for the development of a Linear Park along the Brosna, in a beautiful area where the river has a myriad of mill races that flow to a pond. The Linear Park is part of a strategy to fulfil some of the potential of the Brosna as it flows through the town.
“This is phase 1,” explained Bernie, “of a much larger development to open the river in its entirety to the public, as well as the the 22-acre pond and its conglomeration of hydro engineering. The river has a hydro powered turbine currently feeding the grid behind the old Mill. The river also has a fisherman’s trail along the banks which meets up with the walking trails. There's potential to develop a cycle trail along the banks from Clara to the Shannon.”
Bernie pointed out that adjacent to the River is Clara House & Demesne “which is suitable for the accommodation of eco-friendly festivals as it is so close to the train station.
“The demesne also has a magnificent river walking trail and houses the summer Literary & Music Festival during Heritage Week.”
Bernie pointed out that the potential to use the Clara Train Station as a hub for cycle ways is enormous. “You could create a blue way along the fisherman’s walk, from Clara to Ballycumber, and after that on through the countryside to meet the Shannon. This would also help the populations from the towns and villages to travel via train more, as they could, with ease cycle to Clara and pick up the train there; thereby reducing omissions from cars.
“Essentially, Clara Train Station has the potential to open this area of the midlands to cyclists from East and West. There is currently a myriad of disused railways, byways and river paths waiting to be developed into cycle ways.”