Bord na Mona reveal ambitious plans for cycle and walkway lands in Offaly
Project involves the repurposing of 16,919 meters of existing former rail bed and 8,960 meters along existing bog
BORD na Mona is seeking planning permission to develop a major shared cycle and walkway within the townlands of, 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.
The project involves the repurposing of 16,919 meters of existing former rail bed and 8,960 meters along existing bog headlands / former high fields.
The proposed shared cycle and walkway will connect with key amenities, including the existing Grand Canal Greenway, The Offaly Way, and the Lough Boora Discovery Park.
Car and or bicycle parking facilities will be constructed at a number of gateway locations along the proposed route with EV charging points at each gateway.
A new pedestrian and cycle bridge will be constructed which will span the Grand Canal within the Turraun townland.
Additional works include upgrades to 10 local access road crossings, and 8 agricultural crossings and the installation of wayfinding and interpretative signage at Gateway posts along the route.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) will be implemented at gateway locations to manage surface water at car parking areas.
Fencing and screening will be erected where required for health and safety and biodiversity reasons which will include 14,909 meters of ecological fencing. The planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS)