New walking trails open
THREE new walking trails have opened at Raheenleagh, Croghan. The site now includes marked trails and two viewing points. It’s hoped that the new trails will become part of a wider network of walking trails in the North Wexford and South Wicklow areas.
The signage for the new trails at Raheenleagh Wind Farm was unveiled by members of the steering committee last week. Measuring a total of 15km, the trails are gentle walks that take no more than an hour and a quarter to complete, making them suitable for family groups.
The recent completion of the Raheenleagh Wind Farm, a joint-venture between Coillte and ESB, has reinstated the Raheenleagh Open Forest Policy, enabling walkers, hikers and family ramblers to enjoy the new forest trails.
The development is a partnership between Raheenleagh Wind Farm and members of the Croghan Cluster, who were keen to develop the site as an amenity for the local and wider region.
The Croghan Cluster includes Raheenleagh Power Ltd (Coillte and ESB), Kilanerin-Ballyfad Community Development Association, Co. Wexford Walking Trails Group, Woodenbridge Ballycoog Walking Group, Wicklow Uplands Council, the Co. Wicklow Rural Recreation Officer, Co. Wicklow Partnership and input from local walkers.
‘ These new and improved walking trails at Raheenleagh are a fantastic amenity for the entire local community as well as for visitors from outside the area who want to enjoy the social and health benefits of getting outdoors,’ said Nicola Wall, community engagement manager with Raheenleagh Wind Farm.
Visitors can enjoy three walks, including: Croghan trail (blue trail) passing close to three wind turbines as it makes its way up to a viewing point that includes views of the old goldmining area by Ballinagore Bridge.
Forde’s Farmhouse trail (green trail) is named after the Forde family, the owners of most of the land on Raheenleagh up until the early 1940s.
Bann River trail (red trail) separates from the Forde Farmhouse trail just after it passes over the source of the Bann river, which is a key tributary of the Slaney that provides a lot of the drinking water for North Wexford.
Funding for the infrastructure was provided by Raheenleagh Power Ltd.
‘ The Croghan Cluster are to be congratulated for their terrific work on this project, which included constructing new trails, installing way mark posts, entrance gates and fencing. Co. Wicklow Partnership are also to be commended for providing their guidance and assistance through the development of this recreation project,’ said Nicola.
Each year Raheenleagh Wind Farm will supply up to 25,000 homes with clean renewable energy. The facility has a dedicated wind farm manager who will look after its operation during the 25-year life span of the farm.