Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has today (Thursday, August 15) unveiled a significant funding injection of €3 million aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and recreational amenities within Coillte forest parks scattered across Ireland. This substantial investment marks a pivotal moment in a strategic collaboration between the Department of Rural and Community Development (DCRD) and Coillte, with the shared goal of preserving and managing existing trails in Coillte forests while also forging new avenues for recreation. The allocated funds will be channeled into a diverse array of projects encompassing the creation of walking trails, enhancements to car parking facilities, installation of footbridges, and the establishment of modern toilet facilities.
Among the standout projects earmarked for this funding boost are the allocation of €200,000 towards the design and construction of a brand-new car park entrance at Deerpark in Co. Cavan, and a further €150,000 designated for a rejuvenation project centered around the wood pond at Belleek in Co. Mayo. This announcement coincides with the release of data today unveiling the top 10 most frequented Coillte parks in the country. Topping the list is Rossmore Park in Monaghan, which welcomed an impressive 357,834 visitors in 2023. The remaining parks in the top 10 ranking, which do not require tickets for entry, include Ticknock Recreation Area in Co. Dublin, Donadea Forest Park in Co. Kildare, Jenkinstown Wood in Co. Kilkenny, Killykeen Forest Park in Co. Cavan, Belleek in Co. Mayo, Hazelwood in Co. Sligo, Tintern Abbey in Co. Wexford, Portumna Forest Park in Co. Galway, and Ards Forest Park in Co. Donegal.
Minister Humphreys emphasized the burgeoning success of adventure tourism in Ireland, noting a substantial surge in visitor numbers to the country’s forest parks in recent years. She expressed her delight at the collaborative efforts between her department and Coillte, aimed at enhancing and enriching the visitor experience. In 2023 alone, Coillte recorded over 2.74 million visits across 51 of its recreational sites utilizing visitor counters. The ongoing strategic partnership between the department and Coillte commits to an annual €3 million funding allocation for the period spanning from 2022 to 2026, with the primary objective of elevating recreational facilities on Coillte-owned land. This initiative builds upon the previous five-year agreement, which saw a total funding injection of €11 million between 2017 and 2021.
Throughout 2023, Coillte successfully executed numerous pivotal capital projects across the nation, with a total value of €1,374,420. The diligent maintenance work encompassed over 300 recreation sites and long-distance trails, ensuring the continued upkeep and enhancement of these vital recreational spaces. Imelda Hurley, Chief Executive of Coillte, lauded the funding provided by the department as instrumental in enabling the state-owned commercial forestry entity to further elevate the visitor experience within its recreational forests nationwide. Acknowledging Coillte’s role as Ireland’s foremost provider of outdoor recreation, Hurley expressed delight in welcoming an estimated 18 million visits to their recreational areas from both domestic and international visitors. She underscored the proven benefits of connecting with nature for individual wellbeing and expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing development of recreational amenities to be enjoyed by all.
