Funding of €67,000 has been announced for Laois as part of a new five-year strategic initiative with Coillte to boost its forest trails and rural tourism.
The Laois allowance is part of the €15 million announced nationwide by Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys. There are plans to expand the outdoor leisure facilities that Coillte offers at its leisure sites.
Some 260 recreational forests and 12 forest parks will receive investments under the initiative, approved by Minister Humphreys today.
This will mean improvements to some 3,000 kilometers of walking and cycling trails, which will significantly boost outdoor tourism and rural communities.
A total of 21 projects were selected for funding in Laois.
They are the following:
Baunreagh, general path maintenance, pruning and hedge trimming – 3,500
Brittas, Clonaslee – walking loop maintenance, picnic tables – 2,500
Capponellan, Durrow – maintenance of paths and some hedges – 3,000
Carrick Wood, Portarlington – general path maintenance, hedge trimming – 3,000
Cathole, Rosenallis – trail maintenance – 2,000
Cullahill – trail maintenance – 2,000
Dunmore, Durrow – removal of fallen trees, maintenance of paths – 5,000
Dysart Forest, Portlaoise – maintenance/improvement of walking trails – 3,000
Emo Court – dangerous trees to remove and pruning required. Trail maintenance; erected threshold sign – 4,000
Garryhinch – potholes and bollards need attention in the parking lot. Some dangerous trees that need to be removed – 4,000
Glenbarrow – hedge trimming at car park required. Minor maintenance needed to follow. Picnic furniture needs repair/maintenance – 2,500
Kelliville, Stradbally – maintenance of roads – 2,500
Knockatrina (Leafy Loop), Durrow – hedge trimming and general trail maintenance – 2,000
Lacca – minor trail maintenance – 2,500
Monicknew – new sign, picket fence required – 6,000
Oughaval – pedestrian loop maintenance, fences and maintenance of wooden furniture – 6,000
Sheffield Forest – maintenance of footpaths – 2,500
Slieve Bloom Way, Rosenallis – maintenance of footpaths and upgrade of markers – 3,000
The Cut – car park and fence maintenance – 4,000
The Derries (Lake Rathadaire promenade) – hedge trimming and trail maintenance – 2,000
Togher – path maintenance and hedge trimming – 2,000
Minister Pippa Hackett welcomed the funding.
‘Many of us will recognize the forests that are being targeted for funding today, places like Castletown in Kinnitty, Carn Park along Westmeath Way and in my own locality Garryhinch,’ she said.
“We appreciate these trails, but shouldn’t take them for granted and today’s funding will help with necessary maintenance, allowing us to continue to enjoy the outdoors safely.”
“This investment is a partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte, under my own responsibility, and will further enhance the great outdoor convenience that Coillte continues to provide – for the benefit of Midlands residents and across every day of the year,” said Minister Hackett.
