Major Investment Secured for local Forest and Forest Trails
A significant €4 million investment has been announced for Coillte recreational sites nationwide in 2025, with targeted funding allocated to enhance and protect woodland amenities across Cavan and Monaghan.
The investment, announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, forms part of the Government’s ongoing strategic partnership with Coillte to improve and maintain public forest trails and outdoor amenities.
A total of €2.6 million will go towards new trail infrastructure and maintenance at 169 sites, with a further €1.4 million allocated to repair damage caused by Storm damage.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister and TD for Cavan Monaghan, Niamh Smyth said, “I am delighted to see significant investment been given to our forests and trails across Cavan Monaghan. We know that many of the trails have fallen into ill repair like Rossmore Forest in Monaghan and Killykeen in Cavan.
She added “ General maintenance works throughout the county which will directly support trail clearing, repairs, and ongoing upkeep of these amenities which are widely used by families and communities on a regular basis. Significant works to safety and accessibility will only increase visitors to these attractions.
Smyth continued “It is essential that we maintain Coillte sites around the county and have them to a high-quality standard for the thousands of people that visit them each year.
She added, “I am looking forward to working alongside the Minister to ensure more funding like this happens going into the future, as part of a planned investment of €15m over 5 years to maintain and develop Coillte’s trail network and recreation amenities around the country.
“I recognise it has been a challenging year for staff at Coillte in the aftermath of damage done from Storm Éowyn, but I’d like to highlight the trojan work the staff have done to open 83 of the 100 sites that have been affecting in the aftermath. I am pleased that the other remaining sites will be open by the end of the year.