Minister Calleary visits Longford for outdoor recreation events in Ballymahon and Abbeyshrule
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 21 May 2026
- Last updated on: 21 May 2026
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, today (Thursday, 21 May 2026) visited County Longford to open a walkway in Ballymahon and to launch the Longford County Outdoor Recreation Plan in Abbeyshrule.
The walkway, located on the grounds of Fr Leo Casey Park, home to Ballymahon GAA, was funded by the Department through the CLÁR programme. As well as a public walkway, the project also included the planting of native trees, shrubs and hedgerow which will aid biodiversity in the area.
Speaking in Ballymahon, the Minister said:
“Physical activity is key to our wellbeing and the addition of this walkway here around Fr Leo Casey Park will provide a safe and accessible space for the residents of Ballymahon and beyond to get out and get active. This project, which is open to all, received almost €45,000 under my Department’s CLÁR programme. This is a great example of what can be achieved when all sectors of the community work together in the spirit of ‘Meitheal’.”
The Minister continued:
“I was delighted to launch the 2026 CLÁR programme in March with a record allocation of €12 million across three measures. I very much look forward to announcing the successful projects later in the year and no doubt there will be more good news in those announcements for County Longford.”
Later in Abbeyshrule, Minister Calleary launched the Longford County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2025 – 2030, which was developed by the Longford County Outdoor Recreation Committee following consultation with key outdoor recreation stakeholders in the county.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister said:
“I was delighted to provide funding through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to support the development of the Longford County Outdoor Recreation Plan. This provides a coordinated, county-wide framework to manage the future development of outdoor recreation in Longford.
“Longford is a county with such potential. On your doorstep, you have access to water, peatlands and forestry. This plan will build on this great foundation in a sustainable way to make access to the outdoors more accessible and available so that all of the community can reap the health and wellbeing benefits that come from being active in the outdoors.
“I want to commend the work of the Longford County Outdoor Recreation Committee in engaging with stakeholders across the county to develop this plan for the people of Longford. Without their collaboration, dedication, and drive, we would not be here today.”