A feasibility study is going to take place.
A Westmeath could be getting a new Bog Walkway.
A feasibility study, by Rethinking Rural Ireland (RRI), is taking place on the proposed Corrydonnlan Bog Walkway in County Westmeath.
The launch event will take place on Saturday, October 23rd in Rathowen Community Centre.
The proposed walkway encompasses the rural villages of Rathowen, Ballinalack and Streete, showcasing some of the county's most important native bog habitat, a haven for wildlife and biodiversity, and a critical carbon sink for action on climate change.
With the support of the local community, this initiative breathes new life into the area's ancient natural and cultural peatlands landscape, providing protection for our natural environment and species, while also offering local groups and businesses new opportunities for growth and development.
RRI, a social enterprise empowering towns and villages to regroup, rebrand, and relaunch through innovation projects, assembled an experienced team of environmental, planning, and communications specialists to complete the study. They carried out community focus groups and discussions as part of their research.
The proposed trail route options presented as part of the study will give locals and visitors an informative experience of this unique bogland environment and will feature rich historical sites and monuments, such as ring forts, standing stones, and medieval castle ruins.
As one of Europe's last raised bog peatland habitats, this unique area of Westmeath is home to 100 native and endemic flora, fauna and birds. The development of the Corrydonnlan Bog Walk will help to protect and preserve these plants and species.
Head of Rethinking Rural Ireland, Shane Cogan, says "This site is key to over 16 nationally protected plant and bird species, and acts as a climate change sponge for helping Ireland meet its commitments on the international Climate Change Agreement, signed in Paris in 2015".
"Peatlands play a significant role in the natural and cultural heritage of Ireland. The Rathowen-Ballinalack-Streete area is internationally recognised as a Ramsar-type site and is of global, national and local importance in terms of our ancient and modern heritage."
Local liaison for the bog walkway project, Jerry Nally says, "We're delighted to launch this feasibility study. The health and environmental benefits for visitors are plentiful, alongside raising awareness of the natural treasures as well as the global environmental challenges we face. We're looking forward to welcoming people from far and wide to enjoy everything we have to offer."
As part of Ireland's climate and national development plan 2021-2017, the proposed Walkway would be developed in 2022. Already, the main bog walk can be accessed at Ballinalack/Inny River car park and is best visited during daylight hours.
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