New shared cycle and walkway planned on Bord Na Móna lands outside Athlone

Plans for a seven-kilometre recreational cycleway and walkway in Bord Na Móna lands outside Athlone have been published.

Bord Na Móna Energy Ltd has signalled its intention to seek planning permission for the recreational shared cycle and walkway on its lands in the townlands of Derries, Carrickobrien, Bunnahinly, Clonbonny, Corralena, Kilgarvan Glebe, Ballinahownwood and Ballinahown.

The proposal is through parts of the existing Bunahinly and Kilgarvan bogs

The project is to include the repurposing of 3,412 metres of existing former rail bed, 3,131 metres along existing bog headlands/former high fields, and 473 metres along pre-existing machine access routes.

Also planned are car and bicycle parking facilities at a number of locations along the route, and the provision of EV charging spaces.

There is also a proposal for a modular pavilion and an upgrade to the entrance from the local road.

There are also plans to upgrade four local access road crossings and three agricultural crossings, and to erect signage.

Fencing and screening will be erected where required for health and safety and biodiversity reasons which will include over 4,000 meters of ecological screening.

More details will be available when the planning application is lodged.