Lough Boora unveils first look at prototype Velo rail bike

Lough Boora Discovery Park chose St. Valentine's Day to unveil the very first picture of the long-awaited Velo rail bikes which are set to be added to the package of leisure activities on offer in the tourist amenity over the coming months.

The two-seater prototype Velo rail bike was received by Lough Boora for testing last week, and it is understood that the construction of the necessary infrastructure for the Velo rail bike trail and the installation of the bikes is now nearing completion.

Bord na Móna first unveiled its plans to use some of the existing rail line for ten to 15 velo rail cars along a five kilometre route through Lough Boora in June 2023 in a planning application which was submitted to Offaly County Council. The Discovery Park is already home to a sculpture park, fairy trail, numerous walking and cycling routes and angling facilities.

Popular in France and Germany, velo rail in Lough Boora will use the existing rail tracks that previously operated by Bord na Móna for peat production and transportation for the new tourism venture.

The bikes have been likened to giant pedal-powered bicycles which can accommodate groups of two or more passengers on a leisurely journey through the bogland amenity where they can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature.

Offaly County Council gave the go-ahead for the Lough Boora Velo rail bike project in November 2023. It includes a 4.1km loop along the existing Bord na Móna narrow gauge railway, offering new perspectives of the wetlands, sculpture park, wildlife, and biodiversity of the park.

Funding allocated to the Velo Rail project amounts to €445,000 through National Just Transition funding with Bord na Móna providing match funding of €120,000.

The Velo rail bike which was unveiled for the first time on Friday last, on the Facebook page of Lough Boora Discovery Park, consists of a two-seater bike with a lightweight roof.