Funding of over €140,000 awarded to forest parks and walking trails in Mayo
A Mayo TD has welcomed funding of €142,848 to 14 forest parks, walking trails and outdoor amenities in Mayo.
Deputy Alan Dillon has expressed delight that significant funding has been allocated by the Department for Rural and Community Development as part of the implementation of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors - the National Recreation Strategy 2023 to 2027.
Nationally, a total of €3 million will be used to develop and upgrade over 300 forest parks, walking trails and outdoor amenities, while €2 million will be invested in improving and maintaining 280 recreational facilities on Coillte-owned lands across the country.
A further €1 million will be used to deliver 25 new outdoor projects such as walking trails, loops, boardwalks, ecotrails and car park facilities.
Deputy Dillon said two new capital projects in Mayo have received funding. He explained: “A total of €34,560 has been awarded to complete a 500m link trail to complete a loop in a very popular walking area in Glenamoy. Another project at Barraglanna, which is to the rear of Croagh Patrick in Murrisk, will also receive €34,560 for a significant upgrade to a more durable surface which is required on the 400m section of the Western Way.”
Deputy Dillon said he was also delighted that further funding was granted for maintenance works at a number of Coillte-owned projects in Mayo.
“These include Belleek Woods in Ballina, which has been named in the top 10 most visited Coillte sites in Ireland. Coming in 10th place, Belleek Woods had 81,415 visitors last year. Other projects to receive funding include Castlemagarrett in Claremorris, Knockranny in Westport and Tourmakeady Woods.”
The list of Mayo projects to receive funding includes the following:
- Belleek Forest: €5,760 for general maintenance, dangerous trees, blowing leaves, etc
- Blanemore/Tawnywaddyduff: €2,304 for general maintenance
- Brackloon wood: €2,304 for no parking signage and directional signage
- Castlemagarrett (Claremorris): €11,520 for rhododendron control and general maintenance
- Clydagh Bridge: €2,304 for general maintenance
- Drummin: €2,304 for strimming of paths and general maintenance
- Knockranny (Westport): €3,456 for removal of dangerous trees
- Nephinmore (Lahardane): €11,520 for resurfacing of wet section of walking trail
- Raheens: €11,520 for resurfacing paths
- Sheskin: €6,912 for signage, markers and trailheads replacement
- Tawnyard: €2,304 for surface repair in sections throughout
- Tourmakeady: €11,520 for rhododendron control and path upgrade works
BENEFITS
Deputy Dillon said: “Mayo’s outdoor facilities, including our forest parks, walking and cycling trails, are among the best in the world.
“The benefits that they provide in terms of our physical and mental wellbeing are huge. They are also such important assets in terms of attracting tourists to rural Ireland and supporting our local economies.
"Coillte have an open forest policy and are proud to support local businesses such as café operators, bike hire providers and others who make visits to our local forests enjoyable for our visitors.”