4.24 Peatland Tourism
The development of both the Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park and the proposed
Umeras Peatlands Park has increased the access and educational value of the vast
peatland network in the county. The uninterrupted expanse and biodiversity of these
areas are a significant attraction. The Council will continue to seek to promote the
existing facilities and their expansion.
The Council supports the longer-term strategic planning for industrial peatland areas,
which should include a comprehensive after-use framework plan for the industrial
peatlands and associated infrastructure including workshops, office buildings and
industrial sites reflecting the current transition from employment based around peat
extraction. This has potential for tourism resources, examples of which could include,
peatways, bike-hire facilities recreational forestry, wilderness, eco-tourism based on
biodiversity and a National Peatlands Heritage Park.
Amendment : National Peatlands Heritage Park should read National Peatlands Park. For consistency and recognition this term should be used throughout the County Development Plan.
RE O126 Facilitate the development of a tourism resource using cutaway
peatlands in conjunction with Bord na Móna and Fáilte Ireland, subject
to environmental considerations and nature designations, for example,
recreational forestry, outdoor pursuits, peatways on the network of bogs
and industrial railways and a designation of a National Peatlands
Heritage Park.
Amendment : use the term National Peatlands Park for consistency and recognition
RE O127 Support in conjunction with Offaly County Council, Laois County
Council and all other relevant stakeholders such as Bord na Mona,
Coillte and the NPWS, any proposal for a new National Peatlands
Heritage Park centred in Kildare on Bord Na Mona cutaway bogs in
Kildare, Laois
Amendment : same as RE 0126
Map on page 43 The Kildare Tourism Map presented on page 43 of Chapter 4 should be updated to include the Church of Oak Distillery outside Monasterevin and the proposed Umeras Peatlands Park as supported in this Draft County Development Plan.
Reason: The Church of Oak Distillery and Umeras Peatlands Park are supported in this County Development Plan and will represent major net tourist attractions in West Kildare associated with the Barrow Blueway and the development of a National Peatlands Park.