New canal bridge for cyclists and walkers planned by Bord na Mona in Offaly
Route will use 17km of former bog rail and link with Lough Boora and canal greenway
A NEW bridge across the Grand Canal for pedestrians and cyclists will be built by Bord na Mona if council planners give the go-ahead for a new Offaly greenway.
Bord na Mona is proposing to develop a cycle and walkway on its land on west and mid Offaly, with the route using nearly 17km of former narrow gauge railway which was used to transport peat.
The route through the bog will cross the canal in Turraun townland and link up with Bord na Mona's Lough Boora Discovery Park and the established recreational routes of the Offaly Way and the Grand Canal Greenway.
There will be parking for cars and bikes, plus electrical vehicle charging points at a number of 'gateway' locations along the route, according to an application which has been lodged with Offaly County Council.
Work will take place in the following townlands - Cloncraff or Bloomhill, Clonascra, Ballyduff, Clonaderg, Doon Demesne, Lackagh Beg, Lackagh More, Cormore and Corbeg, Corbane, Ballydaly, Kilcolgan Beg, Turraun, Leabeg, Leamore, Oughter, Derrymore, Bunakeeran, Lumcloon and Broughal.