Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced details of €3.13m funding that the department will provide in 2026 as part of its’ strategic partnership with Coillte.
Included in the announcement is a sum of €40,000 for repair works to the stone footbridges crossing the canal in Lough Key Forest Park to continue safe and reliable access.
Announcing the funding, Minister Calleary said: “2026 marks the final year of my department’s current 5-year strategic partnership with Coillte. Over the last 5 years, funding of over €16m has been provided to support and maintain Coillte’s wonderful recreation forests and amenities around the country. This is in addition to investment in these sites through programmes such as the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme”.
“As well as being used to maintain and develop Coillte’s trail network and recreation amenities, this funding has also supported Coillte’s engagement with local communities and recreation groups right across the country”.
“These forests are great assets that visitors and local communities enjoy on a daily basis and they are a hugely important element of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland”.
“Our investment in 2026 includes €2m to facilitate ongoing maintenance and associated supports at over 200 recreational sites across the country. In addition, €1.1m is being provided to support the development of new recreation amenities and upgrades of existing facilities at 20 sites nationwide.”
