Minister Peter Burke TD and Minister Darragh O’Brien TD Announce Beginning of Construction on New Trails in Longford and Westmeath

 

• Fáilte Ireland invests €5.7 million in partnership with BnM to develop accessible walking and cycling trails.

 

• This funding comes from the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund.

 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and for Transport, Darragh O’Brien have today announced the commencement of construction on two new walking and cycling trails in Longford and Westmeath, under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund, these new trails will be the first to be developed under the Midlands Trails Network (MTN) which seeks to create a lattice work of connected walking and cycling trails across the midlands.

A development fund of €3.6million was awarded to BnM (formerly Bord na Móna) in June 2024 to bring 6 universally accessible trail networks across suitable parts of their landbank within the EU JTF territory through the planning process. The network, once complete, could deliver up to 70 kilometres of trail, subject to planning consents. These new routes will connect with existing national and regional greenways and local community trails, creating enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation, community engagement, and tourism growth.

Today Fáilte Ireland also announce a further €5.7 million has been allocated to BnM to construct the first 10km of trails in County Longford and 6km in County Westmeath. An additional 4 trail sections within the EU Just Transition Fund territory are currently in the planning process.

The construction phase was officially launched by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, at BnM’s local workshop. A custom walker totem, crafted by BnM personnel from former railway lines sourced from one of the trail sites in County Westmeath, was unveiled to mark the occasion.

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.”

Minister O’Brien, said:

“The Midlands Trail Network is an innovative scheme, designed to transform former industrial peatlands into a series of walkable and cyclable trails. This scheme creatively uses decommissioned peat harvesting infrastructure to create a unique and enhanced thematic visitor experience. Furthermore, the trails will allow local communities to access the benefits arising from investment in tourism, including job development in related activities, strengthening biodiversity and increased opportunities for recreation.

“This scheme is a crucial element of Fáilte Ireland’s strategy to develop the Midlands region into a world leader in sustainable tourism. Our natural heritage is one of Ireland’s most valuable resources, and I look forward to witnessing the benefits that the Trail Network will bring to the region.”

The Trail Network Scheme is a cornerstone of Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023–2026, which supports the transition to a low-carbon economy while unlocking the tourism potential of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East. The Trail Network Scheme aims to establish the Midlands as a compelling destination for outdoor activities, supporting the creation of new jobs in ancillary and related activities, connecting back into towns and villages. This supports the wider aim of the scheme to support the transition to a low-carbon economy while unlocking the tourism potential of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East.

Orla Carroll, Head of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, said:

“Today’s announcement in Longford and Westmeath highlights the significant impact that the EU Just Transition Fund is having across the Midlands. This investment of over €5.7 million will help connect towns and villages, sustain local communities by creating new employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and encouraging more domestic and international visitors to explore this part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with BnM, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and our strategic partners as we deliver these new trails under the EU Just Transition Fund.”

Tom Donnellan, Chief Executive of BnM, said:

“BnM is working with our landbank, strategic partners and local communities to develop our renewable energy infrastructure and deliver on Ireland’s net zero ambition. BnM remain committed to working with our partners and local communities to create long-term social and environmental value. 

“The commencement of construction on these new trails marks a proud moment for BnM and for the communities of Longford and Westmeath. These new amenities will support local businesses and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the Midlands, alongside BnM’s Eco Energy Park and Renewable Energy projects.

“I would like to sincerely thank Fáilte Ireland, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Minister Peter Burke, and Minister Darragh O’Brien for their continued support in bringing this project to life.”

Bernie Roe, Assistant Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), the Managing Authority for the EU Just Transition Fund, said:

“EMRA is delighted to see the positive momentum that the commencement of trail construction represents for the EUJTF programme and the Midland region. The development of a trail network that integrates with the unique amenities of the wider Midlands area helps to enhance the region as a great place to live, work and visit. This milestone celebrates a great partnership between Government Departments, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Fáilte Ireland, and BnM that has come about thanks to the locally-targeted funding to the region from the EU Just Transition Fund with outcomes that will serve generations to come.”

 

For more information on Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, please visit www.failteireland.ie/justtransition

For further information contact

Laoise Donnelly

086 040 4788

laoise.donnelly@failteireland.ie / pressoffice@failteireland.ie