Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and for Transport, Darragh O’Brien have 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, the 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 €3.6m was awarded to BnM (formerly Bord na Móna) in June 2024 to bring six 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.
Fáilte Ireland also announced a further €5.7m has been allocated to BnM to construct the first 10km of trails in County Longford and 6km in County Westmeath. An additional four 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.
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.
