Assessment of Killykeen bridge tenders taking place

Responses have been received in relation to tenders issued to replace the central bridge at Killykeen Forest Park and are “currently awaiting assessment”.

The tendering period closed last week for a project that will see the existing timber structure replaced with a new wider, two-way crossing.

It was previously mooted that the new structure would take inspiration from its historical surrounds.

Working with Fáilte Ireland and Coillte, the scheme was to follow a similar process to that already envisioned for Dún a Rí Forest Park in Kingscourt and the Cavan Burren Park near Blacklion.

The success of wilderness resort, Cabu by the Lakes, has provided a significant boost of interest in terms of enhancing the local forest park’s overall offering within the wider Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.

The proposed works will see the current Killykeen Bridge replaced with the wider bridge deck and sides on existing supports.

Two more complimentary beams will be bolted to the structure to facilitate widening, and construction of the bridge is expected to take place off-site.

Measures to minimise any potential damage to watercourses and the lake during construction will be implemented.

A key concept of the proposed bridge design is to present walkers with differing perspectives and views across the waterway.

Local councillors were in the past told that the council is conscious that the bridge remains an ‘iconic feature’ of the park, with reference to Gartanoul, a megalithic court tomb also located in Killykeen.

“The form of the sculptural bridge takes reference for Gartanoul a megalithic court tomb located in Killykeen. The bridge’s angular shape resembles the large stone slabs forming the threshold to the court to tomb,” said the design statement.

Car park funding

Meanwhile, sum of €144,000 has been allocated to carry out resurfacing works to the car park at Killykeen Forest Park.

The funding is part of a funding of €3 million funding announcement targeted at developing and upgrading over 300 forest parks, walking trails and outdoor amenities across Ireland.

The funding is part of a 5 year strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte which will see a €15m investment over the five year period 2022 to 2026.

A total of €1 million euro will be used to deliver new outdoor recreation projects at some of our most beautiful forest parks and woodlands.

A further €2 million will be invested in maintaining and upgrading 280 different facilities nationwide.

Making the announcement last week, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys said that Ireland’s outdoors, including our forest parks, walking and cycling trails, uplands and blueways are among the best in the world.

“They are also such important assets in terms of attracting tourists to Rural Ireland and supporting our local economies,” she stated.

Minister Humphreys announced the €3 million investment during a visit to Killykeen Forest Park in County Cavan, which recorded the seventh most visitors in 2022.

The 20 most popular Coillte sites saw Rossmore Forest Park in Co Monaghan ranked number one, followed by Ticknock in Co Dublin, and Donadea Forest Park in Co Kildare.