Minister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed funding of €197,933 to develop and upgrade visitor and recreational amenities at Coillte Forest Parks across Galway.
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.
The Top 10 most visited Coillte Parks (non-ticketed ) in the country were also announced this week, with Portumna Forest Park the only park in Galway to feature having had 59,329 visitors in 2023.
Welcoming the news, Minister Rabbitte said, “People want to be out and about enjoying our great outdoors whether it’s our beaches, lakes, mountains or of course our wonderful forests. This important funding will enable Coillte to further enhance the experience for visitors to our recreational forests across the county, with various sites being supported through maintenance works that can now happen.
“This will allow for path repair, tree surgery, the upgrading of signage and general maintenance, all which may seem basic but are crucial to ensure visitors have good access to the various forests across the county. I want to particularly highlight the work of Declan Garvey and David Harris who are phenomenal in bolstering the offering in Portumna and ensuring the Park is kept at such a high standard
“It’s fantastic to see Portumna Forest Park feature in this year’s Top 10 most visited and it’s of no surprise really as it’s a simply wonderful attraction right on our doorsteps. 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,” concluded Minister Rabbitte.
