Over €320K for forest parks in Cavan and Monaghan

Over €320,000 has been allocated for capital projects and general maintenance at Coillte managed forest parks across counties Cavan and Monaghan.

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 forests, and to develop new recreation opportunities.

The biggest winner locally is Deerpark in Virginia, which has been allocated €200,000 for design, construction and finishing works for a new carpark at the entrance to the forest.

Rossmore Park in Monaghan is also set to receive €49,000 for the installation of new toilets and associated works at the facility there.

Over €45,000 has been earmarked for maintenance works at Bailieboro, Cavan Burren Park, Castlesaunderson, Deerpark, Dun an Rí Forest Park and Killykeen Forest Park.

While, more than €27,000 will be spent on maintained forest parks managed by Coillte in County Monaghan.

Local Fianna Fáil Niamh Smyth has welcomed the funding saying it will "enhance the visitor experience" at forest parks across the two counties.

Deputy Smyth said: "We have seen a huge surge in visitor numbers to our forest parks. Rossmore Park was today announced the most visited Coillte Park (non-ticketed) in the country, with 357,834 visitors in 2023.

"Killykeen Forest Park is also proving a popular attraction welcoming almost 89,000 visitors last year.

"There are so many hidden gems on our doorstep and I would encourage people to get out and explore them."