Clondra to Tarmonbarry Cycleway Scheme

Cycleway Scheme

The Clondra to Tarmonbarry Cycleway Scheme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund.

Preliminary Business Case Completed

Longford County Council has completed a Preliminary Business Case for the proposed Clondra to Tarmonbarry Greenway. The proposed project would provide a safe and accessible walking and cycling connection between Clondra, the trailhead of the Royal Canal Greenway, and Tarmonbarry on the River Shannon.

The proposal aims to improve connectivity between existing and planned walking and cycling infrastructure, support active travel and outdoor recreation, and strengthen links between the communities and visitor attractions of Clondra and Tarmonbarry.

Findings of the Preliminary Business Case

The Preliminary Business Case examined whether a viable Greenway route could provide a fully accessible walking and cycling connection between Clondra and Tarmonbarry. It considered route options, technical feasibility, accessibility, environmental considerations, affordability, demand, economic impact and the project's alignment with national, regional and local policies.

The assessment identified the potential for the project to:

• Provide a safer, substantially off-road walking and cycling connection between Clondra and Tarmonbarry.
• Improve connections between the Royal Canal Greenway, the National Famine Way, the River Shannon and planned regional greenway infrastructure.
• Support active travel, recreation and community connectivity.
• Improve access to the area's waterway, natural and cultural heritage assets.
• Contribute to sustainable tourism and local economic activity.

Preliminary demand analysis undertaken for the business case estimated potential annual usage in the region of 15,000 to 24,000 visits. Actual usage would depend on matters including the final route, the design and quality of the completed connection, and the solution selected for crossing the River Shannon.

Route Assessment

A number of potential route options were assessed as part of the Preliminary Business Case. The assessment identified an emerging preferred option for further investigation and development, comprising a route westwards from Clondra and a potential crossing of the River Shannon using Tarmonbarry Weir. The potential weir crossing is dependent on the progression of associated works by Waterways Ireland and would require further technical development and agreement.

The emerging preferred option is not a final route. Any route brought forward will be subject to further design development, environmental assessment, stakeholder and landowner engagement, funding availability and all necessary statutory approvals.

Public Consultation

A public consultation event was held at Richmond Harbour, Clondra, on 28 July 2026. The consultation gave members of the public an opportunity to view potential route options, discuss the proposal with the project team and provide feedback.

Feedback received through the consultation informed the development and assessment of the route options considered in the Preliminary Business Case. Further public and stakeholder engagement will be undertaken as the project develops.

Next Steps

Subject to the availability of funding, the next stage of project development would include:

• Further investigation and design development.
• Continued engagement with Waterways Ireland and other relevant stakeholders.
• Engagement with affected landowners.
• Environmental and planning assessments.
• Further public consultation.
• Completion of the necessary statutory approval processes.

Completion of the Preliminary Business Case does not constitute approval to construct the project or approval of a final route. Progression of the project remains subject to funding, further technical and environmental assessment, landowner and stakeholder engagement, detailed design and statutory approval.

Further Information

For further information about the proposed Clondra to Tarmonbarry Greenway, please email regeneration@longfordcoco.ie.

Further information on the funding programme is available from the EU Just Transition Fund Programme and EU Funds Ireland.

You can email the Regeneration team for more information by clicking this link 

EU Funding

Find out more about EU Funding by clicking this link