Progress on restoration of popular Mullingar walkway

Repair work on the walking infrastructure at Scragh Bog will see the amenity fully reopened. Following storm damage last year, a section of the boardwalk was closed on safety grounds. A subsequent risk assessment by the Department found that significant repairs were required.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has now completed the design for the remedial works, with the project moving to tender stage and construction is expected to begin in 2026.

Scragh Bog is the best example in Ireland of the transition from alkaline fen to acidic raised bog, and one of the few remaining in Europe. It contains a large number of uncommon plants and insects that are rare in Europe. It also has an interesting looped walk and a boardwalk that brings you through the fen habitat.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, welcomed confirmation that progress is being made on planned repair works at Scragh Bog Nature Reserve: “Scragh Bog is a unique and much-loved walk for people in Mullingar and the surrounding area,” he said.

Minister Burke said Scragh Bog is a valued local amenity with significant potential: “Its location beside Lough Owel and the popular diving boards means it forms part of a wider network of outdoor amenities that people use and enjoy year-round.”

“Like many people locally, I want to see access restored as soon as it is safe to do so. Safety has to come first, but it’s encouraging to see clear progress now, with the design work complete and the project moving forward,” he said.

The Minister previously secured almost €170,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Scheme in 2021 to upgrade the car park and extend the Northern Pedestrian and Cycle Route, linking Cullion and Lavington with the amenity.

“Investing in our local amenities is so important,” the Minister said, “It improves access and helps create better connections between communities and places like Scragh Bog. High-quality outdoor amenities don’t just benefit local people - they also strengthen the tourism offering of an area. Scragh Bog has huge potential as part of a broader recreational and nature-based tourism experience in the Midlands.”

Minister Burke concluded by saying he will continue to engage with the Department and the NPWS to support the delivery of the project and the safe reopening of the boardwalk.