Provision of Management Plan Screenings and Assessments for Development of Multi-access Connection Griston Bog to Ballylanders, Co Limerick.

Request for Tender Proposals for the provision of a management plan undertake suitable and necessary screenings assessments and consultations for the development of a multi access off-road connection between Griston Bog and Ballylanders village Co. Limerick.

Ballyhoura Development have secured ORIS Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme funding and are inviting proposals from qualified consultants with proven experience and expertise in regional strategy design and development, community and stakeholder consultation, ecological assessments, trail planning and design and sustainability to: Develop a management plan, undertake suitable and necessary screenings, assessments and consultations for the development of a multi access off road connection between Griston Bog and Ballylanders. Proposals should consider relevant environmental guidelines and Irelands National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027 Embracing Irelands Outdoors.

Outdoor recreation sites and trails across the Ballyhoura region provide a recreational experience for thousands of people annually and have grown to become a critical part of the sense of place and way of life of the area. This recreational areas are a significant driver of local social, environmental and economic activity and contribute positively to the physical mental and spiritual health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.

Griston Bog is a key part of this recreational infrastructure contains an area of raised bog a peatland habitat which is fast disappearing from the Irish countryside. The custodians of Griston Bog, Ballyhoura Heritage and Environment have a dedicated plan for Griston Bog which alongside maintaining and enhancing existing habitats aims to run a programme of awareness raising activities on site to include outreach activity and to maintain access for all to encourage the use of Griston bog by schools and the wider local community.

A recent Ballyhoura Trails Masterplan associated consultations and other local evidence has highlighted community access to trails and in some cases the lack there. The latter includes the community of Ballylanders.

Initial Meeting Site Assessment and Surveys Stakeholder Engagement Environmental and Statutory Assessments Route Selection and Feasibility Detailed Route Design Proposal, Recommendations, Construction Project Plan and Costings Final Outcome - The overall aim of this project is a stakeholder agreed route design and construction project plan such that a contractor can be sought to initiate physical works.