Bord na Móna lifting old bog rail tracks in Laois but 'open and supportive' of greenways

Bord na Móna has confirmed that it is removing its rail tracks on its Laois boglands, but this won't stop future greenways from being built in their place.

However money will still have to be found by Laois people to build any greenways on the bogs. 

In a letter to Portlaoise Municipal District, Bord na Móna responded to a query by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald made earlier in 2024, confirming that the metal tracks are being lifted.

"We would like to confirm, regarding the existing loco rail lines, Bord na Móna is lifting the tracks as part of the rehabilitation process, but leaving the rail-bed intact to ensure that it could be made available for alternative use.

"Bord na Móna had previously been in contact with Laois County Council on the development of Greenways on lands in Laois. 

"The lands owned by BnM in Laois are Garrymore, Cuilnamona, Cashel, Cuilnacarton, Abbeyleix (under lease), Clonenagh, and lands on the borders with other counties are Templetouhy, Knocknahaw, Garryhinch and Monettia. 

"Bord na Móna is open and supportive of further discussions with Laois County Council on the feasibility of Greenways  on its lands. Routes would be subject to the sourcing of funding outside of Bord na Móna to fund the construction of the Greenways, subject to planning, and subject to timing of when potential construction could happen given some timing constraints on Bord na Móna lands, and the maintenance needs post construction," a spokesperson for the company said this September.

Laois County Council Acting Director of Services Paul McLoughlin, says he is working with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to carry out a feasibility study for the greenways.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald was still concerned about losing the chance if tracks are lifted.

"I know some residents on the committee who have hopes there, but they are worried about the tracks," she said.

Mr McLoughin gave assurance.

"The rail lines are on a gravel base, like a trackway or laneway. It's positive they're leaving that there," he said.

Other councillors at the Portlaoise Municipal District meeting were glad to hear the track will stay.

"It's great news. I think they lifted the tracks in Offaly too. At least we have the base left," Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said.

"I want to compliment Bord na Móna for sharing their facilities. The fact is we have a gem. The residents set the wheels in motion, we can't lose this opportunity. This is going to be our Waterford Greenway. We can start at Cashel Bog and come out the whole way across to the Ballyfin Road," Cllr Willie Aird said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly notes that the rail track goes under four stone rail bridges.

"I think the council could consider a committee to drive this, there is great flora and fauna there. It has fantastic potential. A group in Abbeyleix is meeting the council about a greenway from Abbeyleix to Portlaoise, it would be an unbelieveable achievement if we could do it," he said.

"If people would like to get involved they should come forward and give Paul their name," added Cllr Aird.

Abbeyleix Bog Project which is on the bog leased from Bord na Móna has part of its trails on a disused rail track. The bog was developed as a living bog and protected nature habitat after a group of residents blocked the company from continuing to cut there some years ago.

Bord na Móna can now no longer cut any Irish bog for industrial use due to the environmental damage that this caused, but must instead rehabilitate its state owned bogs. 

Once called the 'peat board' created by the state to cut turf and peat for energy, heating and gardening, it is now a "climate solutions company" with a new mandate on "renewable energy, recycling, waste management, carbon sequestration and biodiversity".