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Eamón ÓCuiv, TD, Minister for Community, Rural and
Gaeltacht Affairs officially opened three new forest recreational
facilities near Oughterard, Co. Galway.
The facilities, which have been developed by Coillte in partnership
with Failte Ireland at a cost of €800,000, comprise the Derroura
Mountain Bike Trail, the Lackavrea Boardwalk and the New Village
loop walks.
The Oughterard facilities are part of the Forest Recreation
Infrastructure Development Programme, which provides state-of-the-art
outdoor recreation facilities for walkers and cyclists at
35 locations countrywide. This programme is being implemented
by Coillte with 75% funding from Failte Ireland from the Tourism
Support Measures under the National Development Plan.
The Derroura development includes a 14km track for mountain
bikes, a car park and associated trail information, signage
and trail marking. The trail was planned and designed by one
of the world’s leading trail designers to have a low impact
on the environment during construction and to require low
maintenance during many years of use.
The local community and businesses, mountain bike enthusiasts,
National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Western Regional
Fisheries Board were all consulted to ensure the best possible
plan with the minimum environmental impact. Already fully
operational, the facility is attracting significant numbers
of visitors.
The Lackavrea boardwalk was initiated in response to a concern
that it might be necessary to close a section of the Western
Way for safety reasons. Coillte offered to reroute the facility
through its land and to instal a boardwalk to ensure its long-term
sustainability and safety.
At 4.5kms long, it is the longest boardwalk in Ireland and
was constructed by a local contractor from new timber and
from recycled railway sleepers. This project benefited from
close cooperation between Galway County Council, other landowners
and Coillte and public consultation took place to ensure there
was full understanding of the need for the planned works.
The New Village loop walks provide additional loops off the
Western Way and will enhance the walking opportunities in
the Oughterard area.
Commenting at the launch, Minister Ó
Cuív said - “The development of the rural recreation and tourism
sector is a key factor in ensuring the improved well-being
of rural areas. This is a shining example of what can be achieved
through cooperation and an open-minded approach to how an
area can harness its strengths and potential to everyone’s
benefit.”
The Minister added that forest-related tourism
and recreation in Coillte’s forests generate an estimated
€268 million of economic activity for the rural economy every
year.
David Gunning, CEO, Coillte noted - “These
three projects are superb examples of how we, in Coillte,
are maximising the benefits to local people, sporting interests
and tourism, from the forests we have in beautiful locations
like Connemara. Over 18 million visitors per year visit Coillte
recreational areas and we are delighted to be working with
Minister Ó Cuív, Failte Ireland and other stakeholders to
improve and expand the available infrastructure of walking,
hiking, biking, multi access and long distance trails.
"Coillte is committed to providing
enhanced, sustainable recreation opportunities, but we must
also ensure that this valuable contribution is recognised
and its management resourced into the future.”
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