Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary has announced funding of €3.13m for the Department’s strategic partnership with Coillte for recreational sites.

This funding marks the final year of the Department’s strategic partnership with Coillte that has seen over €16m invested in Coillte recreation sites during its course.

Examples of where the funding will be allocated includes €280,000 for the renewal of the Curragh Chase Forest Park entrance road in Co Limerick and €105,000 for the first installation of play features as part of a new woodland play trail in Belleek Woods, Co Mayo.

ADVERTISEMENT

Minister Calleary commented on the announcement: “as well as being used to maintain and develop Coillte’s trail network and recreation amenities, this funding has also supported Coillte’s engagement with local communities and recreation groups right across the country.

“These forests are great assets that visitors and local communities enjoy on a daily basis and they are a hugely important element of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland.

“Our investment in 2026 includes €2m to facilitate ongoing maintenance and associated supports at over 200 recreational sites across the country. In addition, €1.1m is being provided to support the development of new recreation amenities and upgrades of existing facilities at 20 sites nationwide."

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary has announced funding of €3.13 million for the Department’s strategic partnership with Coillte for recreational sites. Strategic partnership

The Minister noted the importance of the partnership between the Department and Coillte and said that he looks forward to developing a new strategic partnership from 2027.

“Alongside strategic partnerships such as this, my Department is also providing direct investment through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme,” he said.

Coillte CEO Imelda Hurley said: “We continue to see strong growth in visitor numbers year-on-year across our most popular recreation forests, demonstrating just how valued these amenity forests are by communities throughout Ireland.

“This €3.13m investment from the Department is critical to ensuring we can continue to develop and enhance these important recreation sites nationwide, and in doing so support rural economic development, and provide high-quality, accessible spaces for people to enjoy.”