Thomas Kelly, David Thompson and Donnacha Finneran were pictured at the opening of the Ballyforan greenway. Photo Paul Molloy

"New chapter" for community as Ballyforan Greenway opens

Ronan Fagan

Published: Thu 1 May 2025, 4:22 PM

After eight months of development, the new 3.1 kilometre off-road Ballyforan Greenway was officially opened on Friday afternoon by Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Alan Dillon.

The culmination of an ambitious five-year plan, the €1 million development is located close to Ballyforan village on the site of a 250-acre cutaway bog owned by Bord na Mona, and is accompanied by a 50-space car park, bicycle parking and pedestrian access paths with an entrance upgrade off the local L3406 road.

A collaborative project, the new greenway was delivered by Bord na Móna with support from the Ballyforan Area Transition Team (BATT).

Formed in 2020, the four-member BATT secured funding for the project through the Government's Just Transition Fund (which supports communities negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality). A planning application for the construction of the greenway was approved in 2023.

Ballyforan Area Transition Team members Cait Kenny, Noel Dunning, Enda Hoey and Stephen Burke are pictured with Maureen Kenny, Fr Francis Beirne, Minister of State at the Dept of the Environment, Climate and Communications Alan Dillon and young members of the local community at the opening of the Ballyforan greenway

Speaking of her "immense community pride and joy", BATT member Cait Kenny complimented the collaborative efforts of all those who enabled the greenway come to fruition.

"As the project started during the pandemic in 2020 we were restricted to having just four members on the BATT. Noel (Dunning), Enda (Hoey), Stephen (Burke) and I made an application to support this community initiative under the Government's Just Transition Fund and thankfully, having had a public meeting in November 2019 we were aware of what was needed in Ballyforan, a greenway," Cait said.

Commending all those involved in the project, Cait made special reference to prominent community member Maureen Kenny without whose "instrumental work behind the scenes", the greenway would not have been realised.

Fellow BATT member Stephen Burke said the Ballyforan community had embraced transition and change and "turned challenge into opportunity".

"Ballyforan and the immediate area has been closely linked with Bord na Mona and its work for generations. It is vital that we honour our past by creating new pathways for growth and prosperity, economically, socially, environmentally and sustainably," Stephen said.

Noting the greenway to be a symbol of "transition, a space for recreation and wellbeing", Stephen said the route was a vital piece of infrastructure which would enhance the community for years to come.

"From the initial conception to the completed greenway, this project has been a collaborative effort over a five-year period. The project would not have been possible without the support of the Government's Just Transition Fund, Bord na Mona, Roscommon County Council and the on-site contractors and workers who have brought our vision to life and for that we are grateful as a community.

"We are not just celebrating the completion of a project, we are celebrating the beginning of a new chapter for Ballyforan. Let the greenway be a place where memories are made, friendships are forged and where the future of Ballyforan blossoms," Stephen said.

Hailing the occasion as a "significant day" for the local community, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Alan Dillon, who officially cut the ribbon to mark the greenway open, acknowledged in particular the BATT who worked tirelessly to ensure the project reached its conclusion.

"Their perseverance and commitment to this project is appreciated by the local community who now have an amenity which will last for generations," the Minister of State said.

The Minister of State affirmed the Government's ongoing commitment to support community initiatives under the Just Transition Fund "to ensure projects like the Ballyforan greenway come to fruition".

"The Government is firmly committed to ensuring that the €169 million available under the EU Transition Fund is utilised to the best of its ability across enterprise, tourism and community initiatives.

"The €1 million allocated via the Just Transition Fund was really important but the project was further supported by the fundraising efforts of the community which must be acknowledged. Your commitment and support to a project of this scale must be recognised," the Minister of State said.

Financial support secured for the greenway through the Just Transition Fund represents 85% of the total cost of the project and BATT is currently looking for the public’s support by purchasing a fundraising brick for a special commemorative wall, which will be located in the greenway car park.