Ireland’s commitment to regenerative and sustainable tourism was showcased at the European Parliament this week, as BnM’s Midlands Trail Network project was selected to represent Ireland at a major European tourism exhibition in Brussels.
Organised by the European Travel Commission and hosted by MEPs Daniel Attard and Nikolina Brnjac, the exhibition ‘Tourism for Europe, Europe for Tourism’ was officially opened on Monday, 26 January by EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The Midlands Trail Network, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund, is led by BnM and delivered in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. The project was selected as Ireland’s representative initiative in recognition of its best-practice approach to regenerative tourism. The project focuses on transforming former industrial peatlands across BnM’s landbank into accessible walking and cycling trails, supporting peatland rehabilitation, biodiversity enhancement and climate action and delivering new opportunities for outdoor recreation and sustainable economic development across communities in the midlands.
Construction commenced in July of last year on the first trail sections under the Midlands Trail Network in County Longford and County Westmeath. These initial works include the development of 10 kilometres of walking and cycling trails in Longford and 6 kilometres in Westmeath, marking the first phase of delivery of the wider network.
Lisa Kealey, Public Good Programme Manager with BnM attended the opening event in Brussels, where the project was showcased alongside leading tourism initiatives from across the European Union. Speaking on the event she said,
“The Midlands Trail Network demonstrates how thoughtful investment in green infrastructure can deliver real benefits for communities, biodiversity and climate action. As a renewable energy company, BnM is focused on transforming our landbank to support Ireland’s climate and energy ambitions, while creating lasting social and environmental value for communities. Being selected to represent Ireland at this European exhibition is a strong endorsement of the collaborative approach behind the project and highlights the role regenerative tourism can play in supporting sustainable regional development. The commencement of construction in Longford and Westmeath last year was a key milestone for the project, translating that vision into tangible infrastructure that will support local communities and visitors alike.”
The exhibition features 35 tourism projects from across Europe, showcasing tourism’s contribution to sustainable and inclusive growth. The selected initiatives demonstrate how tourism can strengthen local and rural economies, support environmental restoration, and advance the EU’s climate and cohesion objectives. Together, they position tourism as a strategic EU policy priority, beyond its role as a leisure activity.
The Midlands Trail Network forms a cornerstone of Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund. Announced by Ministers in 2024, the initiative includes €3.6 million to progress six universally accessible trail networks through the planning process, with a further €5.7 million allocated to construct the first trail sections in Longford and Westmeath, contributing to a connected lattice of trails across the midlands.
The Tourism for ‘Europe, Europe for Tourism’ exhibition is aimed at policymakers, EU institutions and stakeholders, demonstrating how well-designed tourism projects can deliver tangible environmental, social and economic benefits across Europe.
