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Construction has officially commenced on two new walking and cycling trails in Longford and Westmeath.
The project is being delivered under Fáilte Ireland's Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund.
In June 2024, €3.6 million in development funding was awarded to BnM (formerly Bord na Móna) to bring six universally accessible trail networks through the planning process. These will be developed across suitable sections of BnM's landbank within the EU Just Transition Fund area. Once complete and subject to planning approvals, the Midlands Trails Network (MTN) could deliver up to 70km of walking and cycling infrastructure, linking with existing national and regional greenways and local community routes.
Fáilte Ireland has now confirmed a further €5.7 million in funding to BnM for the construction of the first sections of this network: 10km of trails in County Longford and 6km in County Westmeath. Planning is also underway for four additional sections within the Just Transition Fund territory.
The construction phase was officially launched by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, at BnM's local workshop. To mark the occasion, a custom trail totem, made by BnM personnel using materials from the Westmeath trail site, was unveiled.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Burke said: "The development of these trails will have a positive and lasting impact on the Midlands. They will not only enhance the region's appeal for outdoor recreation and tourism but also deliver real economic benefits for local businesses and communities. This is a significant milestone in our journey to revitalise the Midlands through sustainable tourism and placemaking and I am delighted to mark the construction of these trails in Westmeath and Longford.
"This investment by the Government of Ireland and European Union through Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme is supporting sustainable economic development and job creation in communities and businesses across the Midlands. I look forward to seeing these trails progress over the next year."
For more information on Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, visit www.failteireland.ie/JustTransition
