Bord na Móna submits plans to develop Longford walking and cycling trails

Bord na Móna have submitted a planning application to Longford County Council to develop a tourism trail.

The application was received this week, on Monday July 1. A decision is due on August 25. Submissions must be made by August 4.

The development  is for a recreational tourism trail located on Bord na Móna lands within the townlands of Cloonbony, Kilnacarrow, Ballynakill, Begnagh, Corragarrow, and Cloonmore, in County Longford. 

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The development proposes the delivery of a network of walking and cycling trails on Bord na Móna lands. 

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This will include the repurposing of 5.2km on existing former rail bed, 3.1km along existing bog headlands/former high fields and 185m along pre-existing machine access routes.

The development also proposes the construction of car and/or bicycle parking facilities at a number of gateway locations along the proposed route. 

The provision of 1 no. proposed Gateway is located at the previously permitted Knappogue Bog Amenity Trail as permitted under Longford County Council Part 8. 

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The development also has provision for a Gateway at Lanesboro, which will consist of the development of a pavilion structure, ramp and stairs structure to access the car parking facility. This will include the provision of a pavilion and totem feature at Gateways and the provision of a Thematic Experience comprising a framed structure extending to 8.0 meters. This will include a visitor periscope to view the surrounding landscape, along the northern section of the route within the Cloonmore townland.

The provision of a Gateway, with the provision of handrails at the existing bridge and the provision of a new fence line along the centre line of the bridge with key holder gated access for maintenance vehicles located in the townland Begnagh.

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Improvement works to 8 no. existing agricultural crossings. The development also includes provision of upgrade works at road crossings. The erection of wayfinding and interpretive signage at Gateway locations and along the route is also included. Fencing and screening will be erected where required for health and safety and biodiversity reasons. 

This will include 520 metres of screening along the permitted Knappoge Bog section and 1065 meters of screening along the Begnagh Bog section. 

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It will also include implementation of Nature Based Drainage proposals at the Gateway locations to cater for surface water drainage at car park locations, as well as the demolition and removal of two existing level crossing gates and associated support structure at proposed road crossing locations at gateways. 

The application includes all other ancillary and associated site works and is accompanied by a NIS.