Feasibility Study for Pump Tracks in the Ballyhoura Region

Description

Recreational 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. The trails are a significant driver of local social, environmental and economic activity and contribute positively to the physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being of residents and visitors. The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Network is a key part of this recreational infrastructure and the largest of its kind in Ireland, with over 100 kilometres of MTB trails. The network includes trails for all and entices thousands of national and international visitors to the Ballyhoura Region every year. A recent Ballyhoura Trails Masterplan (available here), associated consultations and other local evidence has shown that access to the trails and to the sport for young people and beginners is limited, with a lack of ‘beginner friendly’ trails and other infrastructure to introduce people to the sport and its myriad of associated benefits for individuals and communities. On foot of this, Ballyhoura Development have secured ORIS (Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme) with a process underway to investigate the feasibility of a Pump Track at various locations across the Ballyhoura Region. Proposals are invited from qualified consultants with proven experience and expertise in regional strategy design and development, community and stakeholder consultation, ecological assessments, data collection and analysis and sustainability to lead the feasibility study. Process should include the following stages and is anticipated to run from Feb 2026 to Sept 2026.