Investment for Coillte recreational sites in Mayo announced
Recreational forests and outdoor amenities across Mayo are set for significant upgrades following the allocation of €135,000 in new funding, Minister of State Alan Dillon has confirmed.
The investment will support enhancement works at Belleek Woods and the Tourmakeady Trail Millennium Forest, alongside maintenance improvements at a further 13 Coillte sites countywide.
Minister Dillon said the funding represents 'a strong commitment to protecting and improving the outdoor amenities that mean so much to communities across Mayo'.
He elaborated: “Our forests, trails and woodland parks are a huge part of life in Mayo. They support local wellbeing, attract visitors and give families safe, accessible places to enjoy the outdoors. I’m delighted to confirm this funding, which will ensure these much‑loved amenities continue to be maintained to a high standard and enhanced for future generations.”
A breakdown of the Mayo allocation includes: €105,000 for Belleek Woods, supporting the delivery of new play features as part of a woodland play trail; €30,000 for the Tourmakeady Trail Millennium Forest, funding riverbank protection works to reduce erosion and safeguard the walking route.
Additional funding for minor trail repairs, verge cutting and targeted tree surgery has been granted for Brackloon Wood, Breaffy; Castlemagarrett (Claremorris); Clydagh Bridge, Colonels Wood, Knockranny; Creagh, Ballinrobe; Drummin; Glenamoy; Massbrook; Moore Hall/Towerhill; Moygownagh, Nephin Mór (Lahardane); and Raheens Woods, Castlebar.
Nationally, €3m in funding has been announced from the Department of Community, Rural and the Gaeltacht as part of the final year of its strategic partnership with Coillte.
The investment in 2026 includes €3.13m for new trail infrastructure and ongoing maintenance at 224 sites around the country. Of this funding, €2m will be used to facilitate ongoing maintenance and associated supports at over 200 recreational sites, while €1.1m is being provided to support the development of new recreation amenities and upgrades of existing facilities at 20 sites nationwide.
This is the final year of a five-year partnership that has seen over €16m invested in Coillte recreation sites.
“The positive impact recreation in the outdoors has on our physical and mental wellbeing must never be underestimated. Our partnership with Coillte is much valued and I look forward to working with the organisation in the coming months to develop a new strategic partnership from 2027,” concluded Minister Dillon.