Coillte lodges plan for 73km Laois Offaly mountain bike trail

Coillte has confirmed a planning application for a 73km mountain bike trail across the Slieve Blooms from Offaly to Laois has been lodged.

In recent weeks Coillte had announced its intention to lodge a planning application for the trail. The project is estimated to cost in excess of €2 million and is hoped to attract an additional 30,000 to 40,000 additional visitors to Offaly annually on completion.  

In a statement issued today it said “Coillte, Ireland’s largest provider of outdoor recreation, has submitted planning applications to Laois and Offaly County Councils for a mountain bike trail (MTB Trail) and associated facilities spanning the two counties.”

“The proposal is still at an early stage in the development process, but the planning application, as well as an accompanying Natura Impact Statement, is now available for public inspection at the offices of Laois and Offaly County Council.”

“The application includes a proposal to provide 73 km of mountain bike trails as well as related mountain bike facilities and services at trail heads at Baunreagh, Co Laois and Castletown, Kinnitty, Co Offaly,” Coillte confirmed.  

Coillte currently provides mountain bike trails at Ballinastoe, Co Wicklow; Derroura, Co Galway; Ballyhoura, Co Limerick; Portumna Forest Park, Galway and Ticknock Mountain Bike Trail in Dublin. Information about these mountain bike trails and Coillte’s other outdoor recreation facilities is available at www.coillteoutdoors.ie