New Midland Trails
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, 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 €3.6 million 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 €5.7 million 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 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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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