Over €80,000 has been allocated to local Coillte Forest Parks.
It’s part of a €3million pot announced by Minister Heather Humphreys to develop and upgrade visitor and recreational amenities at the sites.
€33,678 is coming the way of Carlow for road repair at the entrance to Clashganny, trail repairs at Clogrennan and repairs to flood damaged entrance area at Deerpark.
While in Kilkenny €50,033 will be shared on up-grading trails and the installation of two new trail head signs at Castlemorris, repairing a section of the river walk at Woodstock, Inistioge which was eroded by storms, path upgrade in Kilcross on the South Leinster Way as well as toilet and walkway maintenance, cutting of grass and the upgrade of 400m of trails at Jenkinstown and Ballyrafton.
Community Recreation and Project Development Support in both counties will also benefit.
Minister Humphreys said: “Adventure tourism continues to go from strength to strength in Ireland. People want to be out and about enjoying our great outdoors whether it’s our beaches, lakes, mountains or of course our wonderful forests.
“We have seen a huge surge in visitor numbers to our forest parks in recent years and I want to see that continue. I’m delighted that my Department is working collaboratively with Coillte so that we can upgrade and improve the experience for visitors.
“If you want to take a break and get some peace and quiet – there is nothing quite like a walk in the forest. There are so many hidden gems on our doorstep in Ireland and I would encourage people to get out and explore them.”
Imelda Hurley, Coillte CEO said;“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and this important funding will enable us to further enhance the experience for visitors to our recreational forests across the country.
‘As Ireland’s largest provider of outdoor recreation, we’re delighted to welcome an estimated 18 million visits to our recreational areas from across Ireland and indeed, further afield. Getting out in nature has proven positive benefits for people’s wellbeing and we look forward to further developing our recreational amenities for everyone to enjoy.”
Deputy John McGuinness says; “The investment is part of a strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte to maintain and manage existing trails in Coillte forests, and to develop new recreation opportunities”.
While he calls Jenkinstown Wood “A beautiful amenity, widely used by locals and visitors alike, and worthy of any investment that will help to enhance the visitor experience while upgrading the facility”.
Fine Gael colleague John Paul Phelan is also not surprised by the data which places the local facility among the top four most visited of its kind, noting; “Jenkinstown is a fabulous amenity and a great place for a walk with family and friends. It is always immaculately maintained and features a variety of walks, tailored to different groups and abilities”.
He adds; “Having such a fabulous park so close to Kilkenny city makes it a great magnet for locals and for visitors to the city alike. I congratulate everyone who has made it such a hit with the public.”
