€3 million to develop over 300 forest parks, walking trails and outdoor amenities

Funding of €3 million has been announced to develop and upgrade over 300 forest parks, walking trails and outdoor amenities.

Some €2 million will be invested in improving and maintaining 280 recreational facilities on Coillte-owned lands right across the country.

And a further €1 million will be used to deliver 25 new outdoor projects such as walking trails, loops, boardwalks, ecotrails and carpark 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:

• Derroura, Co. Galway: Major upgrade of old outer loop of the mountain bike trail - €115,200
• Slieve Foye, Co. Louth: Significant upgrade of access road into car-park above Carlingford village - €115,200
• Laracus, Co Donegal: Connect two forest roads with two new sections of trail - €86,400
• Killykeen Forest Park, Co. Cavan: Resurface car park - €144,000
• 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 5 year strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte which will see a €15 million 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.

Details of the €3 million funding being allocated to projects for 2023 are available.