The Irish Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced funding of €3 million to develop and upgrade more than 300 forest parks, walking trails and outdoor amenities.
Of this, €2 million will be invested in improving and maintaining 280 recreational facilities on state-owned forestry company Coillte-owned lands across the country.
The remaining €1 million will be used to deliver 25 new outdoor projects such as walking trails, loops, boardwalks, ecotrails and car-park facilities.
The investment is part of a strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte that is designed to boost rural tourism and local economies.
Among the projects being supported under the €3 million initiative include:
Laracus, Co Donegal: Connect two forest roads with two new sections of trail – €86,400
Leamlara/Ballyhoura, Co. Cork: Construct new walking trails and a multi-use trail – €92,160
Oaklands, Co. Wexford: Construct new trail on upper side to create new loop – €28,800
Knockbarron, Co. Offaly: Develop new sections of Ecotrail in forest – €46,080
The funding is part of a five-year strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte, which will see a €15m investment over the five-year period 2022 to 2026.
This funding announcement will assist Coillte in continuing to upgrade facilities to meet the increased demand for access to these amenities.
