Development of a recreational shared cycle and walkway located on Bord Na Móna lands within the townlands of Derries…

Application details

Planning reference

2460390

Council

Westmeath County Council

Proposal description

Development of a recreational shared cycle and walkway located on Bord Na Móna lands within the townlands of Derries, Carrickobreen, Bunnahinly, Cloonbonny, Corralena, Kilgarvan Glebe, Ballynahownwood and Ballynahown in County Westmeath. A section of the narrow-gauge railway track of the railway line in Cloonbonny and Ballynahownwood townlands is a Protected Structure Ref No. 035-009 which runs adjacent to the proposed cycle and walkway. The development proposes the following: The delivery of a shared cycle and walkway on Bord na Móna lands. This will include the repurposing of 3412 meters of existing former rail bed, 3131 meters along existing bog headlands / former high fields, and 473 meters along pre-existing machine access routes. The construction of car and / or bicycle parking facilities at a number of gateway locations along the proposed route and the provision of EV Charging spaces at the Gateway locations. This will include: 1 no. Type 2 Gateway, 2 no. Rest Points. The Type 2 Gateway (WH-02-01) will include the provision of a walker totem, modular pavilion feature, and upgrades to the entrance from the local road. Upgrade works to River Bridge (21-200). Upgrade works to 4 no. local access road crossings, and 3 no. agricultural crossings. The erection of wayfinding and interpretative signage at Gateway locations along the route. The implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) nature based drainage proposals at the Gateway locations to cater for surface water drainage at car park locations. Fencing and screening will be erected where required for health and safety and biodiversity reasons which will include 4058 meters of ecological screening. All other ancillary and associated site work. The application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS)

Location / address

Bord Na Móna lands within the townlands of, Derries Carrickobreen Bunnahinly Cloonbonny Corralena Kilgarvan Glebe Ballynahownwood and Ballynahown, in County Westmeath

Application type

PERMISSION

Received / registered

15 Oct 2024

Council decision

CONDITIONAL

Council decision date

9 Dec 2024

Final grant date

29 Jan 2025