Approval to amendment to Bord na Móna walkway plans

Westmeath County Council planners have approved an application by Bord na Móna for alterations to plans for a recreational shared cycle and walkway at Corralena, Westmeath.

Bord na Móna Energy Limited applied for an amendment to a permitted planning application on Bord Na Móna lands within the townlands of, Derries, Carrickobreen, Bunnahinly, Cloonbonny, Corralena, Kilgarvan Glebe, Ballynahownwood and Ballynahown, in County Westmeath.

The proposed amendment relates to a 0.14 of an acre site in the townland of Corralena in County Westmeath.

The amendment is for the permission to develop a wayfinding thematic experience to enhance the permitted recreational shared cycle and walkway on Bord na Móna lands.

The thematic experience will consist of a wayfinding landmark structure comprising a ring beam and wind vanes.

Council planners approved the application subject to three conditions.

The application in respect of a network of connected walking and cycling trails is being created across the midlands region.

The recreational shared cycle and walkways through Bord na Móna lands are being funded by an EU Just Transition Fund.

Bord na Móna is developing the trains as it moves to become a ‘climate solutions business’ focused on renewable energy, peatland rehabilitation, and recycling.

In reaching the decision, Westmeath County Council planners said that having regard provisions in the Westmeath County Development Plan, it is considered that the proposed development “would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

They directed that the development will comply with the conditions of the original permission and that all mitigation measures detailed in the Natura Impact Statement (NIS) are implemented in full.