Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail to benefit from investment programme

FINE Gael TD for Offaly, Deputy John Clendennen has warmly welcomed the announcement of funding under the 2026 investment programme for recreational sites, which includes support for routine maintenance at the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail network in Offaly.

€3m funding has been announced from the Department of Community, Rural and the Gaeltacht, as part of the final year of its’ strategic partnership with Coillte.

Deputy Clendennen said, “I am delighted to confirm that the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails will benefit from this important funding allocation for routine maintenance. These trails are a major asset to Offaly, attracting visitors from across Ireland and supporting local tourism and business.”

The investment in 2026 includes €3.13m for new trail infrastructure and ongoing maintenance at 224 sites around the country. Of this funding, €2m will be used to facilitate ongoing maintenance and associated supports at over 200 recreational sites across the country, while €1.1m is being provided to support the development of new recreation amenities and upgrades of existing facilities at 20 sites nationwide.

This is the final year of a 5-year partnership that has seen over €16 million invested in Coillte recreation sites.

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Deputy Clendennen said: “Our nature trails and parks are a source of huge pride in Offaly and bring so much enjoyment, not to just the people who live here, but they attract visitors to our area. This additional funding will go a long way towards ensuring facilities are of the highest standard and I also look forward to seeing what additional projects may be delivered to enhance our recreational offering.”

Minister of State for Community Development and Charities Jerry Buttimer said: “The positive impact recreation in the outdoors has on our physical and mental wellbeing must never be underestimated. Our partnership with Coillte is much valued and I look forward to working with the organisation in the coming months to develop a new strategic partnership from 2027.”

Deputy Clendennen concluded by encouraging people to explore the area, “I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to visit the Slieve Bloom Mountains and experience these fantastic trails firsthand. These trails are for everyone to avail of. Please feel free to get in touch should you feel there are any parts of the trails requiring attention.”

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