Humphreys announces plan to turn Irish bogs into 'ideal locations for recreational use'

The Minister for Rural and Community Development has announced an initiative to develop outdoor recreation activities on Irish bogs. 

Minister Heather Humphreys announced the new approach today (May 31) with a view to boosting tourism in rural communities and revitalising towns and villages. 

Speaking during a visit to County Offaly today, the Minister said, "Through ‘Our Rural Future’ and the ‘Hidden Heartlands’ initiative, we are seeing more and more people choosing to visit our wonderful midlands counties – the likes of Offaly, Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, East Clare, Westmeath, Cavan, North Tipperary and Galway.

"This initiative, in conjunction with Bord na Móna, is about capitalising on the huge tourism potential that is very much on show in the Midlands."

She continued: "My Department is already progressing an excellent strategy with Coillte in terms of developing our forest parks – places that are great locations for families and tourists alike to visit.

"And today we are taking the next step in relation to our boglands – turning them into ideal locations for recreational use.”

The Minister added: "This is all about working with Bord na Móna to develop and manage high-quality, enjoyable and safe access to our great outdoors. 

"It’s about opening up these hidden gems so that more people can reap the benefits."

Head of Land and Habitats at Bord na Móna, Mr Ger Breen,said, "Bord na Móna is delighted to have secured funding from the Department of Rural Community Development to develop an Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

"This funding represents a major milestone in realising the Bord na Móna vision of rehabilitated peatlands existing side by side with renewable energy assets and sensitively developed, biodiversity and natural spaces for public enjoyment.

"The development of recreational spaces within our estate will provide both health and wellbeing benefits for our local communities and support the growth of sustainable tourism within the Midlands, helping to regenerate the local economy."