Deputy Steven Matthews, Green TD for Wicklow, has welcomed the launch of a new funding stream to improve outdoor recreational facilities in Coillte forests. The €15 million scheme is based on a strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte to promote rural tourism from 2022 to 2025. Discussing the announcement, Deputy Matthews said:
“I am delighted that €173,000 has been allocated to develop outdoor recreation facilities in forests and parks in Wicklow. One of the major projects that has been approved is the construction of a multi-access trail and a family cycle trail at Avondale Forest Park. There will also be maintenance works to existing paths, trails, and carparks in forests across rural areas of the county. I look forward to meeting with Coillte in the coming weeks at their open day for TDs to discuss all these projects and will seek to progress them as quickly as possible.
Avondale, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow - €100,000
Sean Lenihan Walk, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow - €11,0000
Crone, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow - €10,000
Devil’s Glen, Ashford, Co. Wicklow - €15,000
Djouce (Deerpark), Roundwood, Co. Wicklow - €8,000
Drumgoff, Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow - €14,000
Kindlestown, Greystones, Co. Wicklow - €7,000
Roddenagh, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow - €2,000
Shay Elliot, Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow - €6,000
“Coillte is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Ireland, and it is estimated that 18 million people visit our forests nationally every year. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more people want to relax and re-connect with the natural world. The huge increase in footfall in our incredible outdoor spaces was clear and it was particularly welcome to see local people engaging and experiencing nature in their home county in ways that many hadn’t previously.
“The Green Party is committed to protecting the natural environment and developing walking and cycling infrastructure for the benefit of local communities in Rural Ireland. I look forward to the launch of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy later this year and the announcement of further initiatives that will enhance our outdoor amenities”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
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