TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan has today welcomed a significant €4 million investment in Coillte recreational sites nationwide in 2025, with targeted funding allocated to enhance and protect woodland amenities across Louth.
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, Deputy McGreehan said, “€70,000 has been allocated to replace the footbridge in Ravensdale trail. This upgrade works are very welcome to improve safety and accessibility of this much loved and used local forest area. There are further allocations for maintenance works throughout the county which will directly support trail clearing, repairs, and ongoing maintenance in Carlingford and Sliabh Foye and Townley Hall.
McGreehan 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.
She concluded “The forests and trails are excellent amenities for exercise, enjoying nature and our heritage. The maintenance and upgrades will lead to further use and development of the areas which can only be good news for Louth communities”.
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS
