Abbeyleix Bog proves top spot for keen walkers

Recent figures released show the Abbeyleix Bog Project to be a phenomenal attraction for walkers to the area in what many would consider to be the quietest time of the year.

Data which was collected during the period of 12th October to 26th November show that 1,271 pedestrians walked the bog in this period. This averages around 180 people per week with the busiest day of the week being identified as Sundays.

All of the data contained in the report has been calibrated by a factor of 0.5 meaning that the numbers have been divided by 2 as it is estimated that the majority of walkers enter and exit the site via the monitoring point. This means the number are in fact probably higher as it does not allow for those people that complete the loop.

The Abbeyleix Bog Project (ABP) stemmed from a local action group known as AREA (Abbeyleix Residents for Environment Action) which was established in 2000 to conserve and protect the bog which was threatened with harvesting for peat moss.

Following negotiations with Bord Na Móna a lease was signed in 2010 which handed the bog over to the local community to manage for a period of 50 years with a primary focus on conservation.

Well done to the hard working and progressive committee who continue to be innovative in keeping the bog accessible to all. Check them out at www.abbeyleixbog.ie.

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