€5.7m investment for new recreational trail in Westmeath
Westmeath has received a significant tourism and recreation boost this week with the announcement that construction has officially begun on 6km of new walking and cycling trails in the county.
The investment, part of a €5.7 million funding package from Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Bord na Móna (BnM), was unveiled during a launch event attended by Minister Peter Burke TD and Minister of State Robert Troy TD. The launch marks the beginning of a major outdoor infrastructure development across the Midlands.
The funding, co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund, supports the first phase of the Midlands Trail Network (MTN), a strategic initiative aimed at transforming former industrial peatlands into universally accessible, connected trail systems.
Westmeath’s trail will span 6km and is one of two initial sites, with another 10km under construction in Longford. The trail will eventually integrate with existing greenways and community paths, forming part of an ambitious 70km network that will open up unique recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Speaking at the launch in Westmeath, Minister Peter 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.”
To mark the commencement of works, a bespoke walker totem, created from upcycled narrow-gauge railway lines formerly used for peat transport in Westmeath, was unveiled at the Bord na Móna site. The symbolic piece reflects the transformation of the region’s industrial past into a sustainable tourism future.
Minister for Climate, Energy, Environment, and Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, praised the project’s innovation and community focus:
“This scheme creatively uses decommissioned peat harvesting infrastructure to create a unique and enhanced visitor experience. It’s not only about tourism, it’s about local opportunity, biodiversity, and building a sustainable future for Midlands communities.”
Westmeath’s new trail will be accessible to all, aligning with the project’s inclusive design goals. It will feature resurfaced pathways, interpretive signage, and connections to wider regional attractions, including Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East.
Tom Donnellan, CEO of Bord na Móna, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.
“This is a proud moment for BnM and the communities of Westmeath and Longford. These new amenities will support local businesses and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the Midlands alongside our renewable energy and eco-development projects.”
Orla Carroll, Head of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, added:
“This investment will help sustain local communities by creating new employment opportunities, encouraging visitors to explore this part of Ireland, and supporting local businesses.”
The 6km trail now under construction is part of a broader vision. Up to four more trail sections are currently progressing through planning stages, with further announcements expected later in the year. The final network aims to link trails across Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Laois, Westmeath, and parts of Galway, Kildare and Tipperary, covering the full EU Just Transition Fund region.
As works progress, Westmeath residents and visitors alike can look forward to a unique outdoor experience built upon the county’s industrial heritage, now reimagined for health, tourism, and environmental regeneration.