Minister Dara Calleary launches Longford County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Longford’s waterways, peatlands, forests, lakes & trails among the county’s greatest assets
Press Release: Monday, 25 May 2026
Longford County Council has officially launched the Longford County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2025–2030, the county’s first dedicated plan to guide the sustainable development, management, and promotion of outdoor recreation across County Longford.
The plan was launched at The Yard Hub, Abbeyshrule Harbour, last week by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, with elected members, Oireachtas members, representatives from local and national agencies, outdoor recreation clubs, and partner organisations in attendance. Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, with responsibility for the Office of Public Works was also in attendance.
Developed by the Longford County Outdoor Recreation Committee, the five-year plan sets out a clear framework to increase participation in outdoor recreation, improve access and infrastructure, support inclusive opportunities, and protect Longford’s natural environment. The process was led by Outscape between December 2024 – May 2025 on behalf of a Project Team consisting of Longford outdoor recreation stakeholders.
Outdoor recreation activities covered by the plan include walking, cycling, paddle sports, angling and nature-based activities that take place in Longford’s green and blue spaces, including waterways, peatlands, forests, lakes, and trails. Inclusivity is also a central principle of the Outdoor Recreation Plan as outdoor recreation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. By improving infrastructure, strengthening partnerships, and reducing barriers to participation, the plan aims to create more opportunities for people to enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits that come from spending time outdoors.
The plan has been informed by extensive consultation with community groups, outdoor clubs, landowners, statutory agencies and the public, including public meetings and an online survey held in April 2025.
As part of the national outdoor recreation strategy Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors 2023–2027, County Longford was selected as one of just six pilot counties to participate in a dedicated Outdoor Recreation Officer programme employing a dedicated Outdoor Recreation Officer. This role, currently held by Mark Noble in Longford Sports Partnership, is central to the operation of the County Outdoor Recreation Committee (CORC), which will oversee the implementation and progress of the plan's actions.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Dara Calleary 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.”
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "The location in Abbeyshrule reflects exactly what this plan is about: connecting people with the outdoors, encouraging activity and wellbeing, and celebrating the natural amenities that make Longford such a special place."
Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, “Longford has outstanding outdoor assets, from our waterways and greenways to our forests, boglands and trails. This plan gives us a coordinated way to support health and wellbeing, strengthen communities and grow outdoor recreation in a sustainable way."
The plan recognises the key role of Longford Sports Partnership in supporting participation and inclusion, and the importance of collaboration between agencies, communities and landowners to ensure long-term success. Funding for the development of the plan was provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with the Outdoor Recreation Officer programme managed by Sport Ireland. Implementation of the plan will be overseen by the County Outdoor Recreation Committee, working with partners across the county to ensure actions are delivered in a coordinated and sustainable manner over the lifetime of the plan.
