Cork woods to benefit from funding to improve visitor experiences at forests around Ireland

Curraghbinny woods, Farran Forest Park and Castlemartyr woods are just three of the amenities in Cork set to benefit from a €3m national fund to develop and upgrade visitor and recreational amenities at Coillte forest parks across Ireland.

The investment, announced in recent days, is part of a strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte.

The total funding allocated to amenities in Cork is €237,59.

Funding will go towards projects including general maintenance at Castlemartyr; tree surgery, hedge cutting and general maintenance at Curraghbinny, and maintenance works on the playground, toilets, picnic areas and trails in Farran Forest Park – to name a few.

“We have seen a huge surge in visitor numbers to our forest parks in recent years and I want to see that continue,” Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, said.

“I’m delighted that my department is working collaboratively with Coillte so that we can upgrade and improve the experience for visitors.” 

Coillte CEO, Imelda Hurley, said the funding will enable Coillte to “further enhance” the experience for visitors to forests across the country.

“Getting out in nature has proven positive benefits for people’s wellbeing and we look forward to further developing our recreational amenities for everyone to enjoy,” she added.