Mayo set to benefit from Forest Parks funding

Recreation facilities on Coillte lands in County Mayo including walking trails, carparks and toilet facilities are to be improved with additional funding announced, Mayo TD and Minister for State Alan Dillon has outlined.

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.

Deputy Dillon said: “I welcome this funding announcement by my colleague Minister Heather Humphrey’s. €224,441 will be used to deliver a range of projects in Coillte parks in County Mayo including the following:

•Ballinamore

•Barraglanna

•Belleek wood

•Brackloon wood

•Breaffy

•Carrowntleva

•Castlemagarrett (Claremorris)

•Drummin

•Knockranny (Westport)

•Moore Hall / Towerhill

•Nephin more (Lahardane)

•Raheens

•Sheskin

•Teevenish

•Tourmakeady Co. Mayo

“This funding will benefit everyone who enjoys these amenities, not just in summer, but all year round.

“The pandemic highlighted the benefits of getting out and enjoying our great outdoors and more people now make time to regularly visit our beaches, lakes, mountains and forests.

"This investment underscores the importance of keeping these amenities at a high standard.

“This is also good news for tourism locally. We know that an estimated 18 million visits are made to our recreational areas in Ireland and we are known for our rural tracks and trails.

"Maintaining and upgrading our facilities at these forest parks will enhance their appeal and encourage people to get out in nature more.”