provision and management of recreation facilities and

1

Provision and Management of Recreation Facilities and Infrastructure2020

Report on the funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development

Provision and Management of Recreation Facilities and Infrastructure 2020

2

As the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Ireland, Coillte delivers a valuable service for the public through the provision of significant outdoor recreation infrastructure across its estate.


3

As the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Ireland, Coillte delivers a valuable service for the public through the provision of significant outdoor recreation infrastructure across its estate.

With many thousands of kilometres of waymarked trails, more than 300 recreation sites and thousands of individual forest properties in every corner of the country, local residents and overseas visitors total more than 18m individual visits to Coillte’s forests each year.

The benefits which accrue to the public through provision of this infrastructure includes rural economic activity where others have established partnerships or stand-alone businesses to provide supporting visitor services such as food, beverage, retail, bike hire, etc.

In many locations, Coillte provide the platform for other business to run successfully, with examples such as bike hire businesses at Ballyhoura (Limerick), Ticknock (Dublin) and Ballinastoe (Wicklow). Cafés have been established at Ards (Donegal) and Curragh Chase (Limerick) and Donadea (Kildare) Forest Parks. Many other licensees operate outdoor recreation guiding and instruction on Coillte lands.

The reason that all these rural businesses are operational is because Coillte have established, manage and maintain a vast number of outdoor recreation facilities in practically every corner of the country. All forests, parks, trails, picnic areas, playgrounds are open to the public free-of-charge (A car-parking fee applies at just 7 sites).

However, the provision of recreation as a service incurs significant costs to Coillte as the provider, not only in terms of capital costs, but also in costs associated with its management and maintenance. There is an equivalent of 23 full-time staff (23 FTE’s) providing the recreation service that Coillte offers to the public. Recognising this fact and the important public good that Coillte provides in this area, the

Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte entered into a Memorandum of Agreement in 2017, for a five year programme to advance our shared aim of developing and maintaining recreational infrastructure and facilities for the public good. The Department of Rural & Community Development committed to providing €10 million over 5 years to support the delivery of outdoor recreation infrastructure and facilities at Coillte sites. Approximately €2 million of this was provided in 2020.

There is a greater understanding of the health and well-being benefits of active outdoor recreation than ever before. This was highlighted during the travel and exercise restrictions imposed in early 2020 as part of the control measures of the Covid-19 pandemic, where people sought out the outdoor recreation infrastructure on their own ‘doorstep’ more than ever before.

Coillte has a key role in providing extensive access to the outdoors through its recreation infrastructure to unlock these benefits for the public. The importance of managing and maintaining high-quality, enjoyable and safe access to the outdoors will continue to be a priority for Coillte as more and more turn to active outdoor recreation in the future.

This report highlights the work that was carried out in 2020 in providing this valuable service to the public, thanks to the very significant level of investment provided by the Department of Rural & Community Development.

Increasing visitor numbersWith the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020 and subsequent lockdown, forest visitor numbers dropped significantly in April and May. However, as travel restrictions lifted again after this period, there was exponential growth in visitor numbers right across the country. For the whole of 2020, Coillte recorded a 40% increase in visitor numbers to its forest and lands in general with a doubling of visitor numbers at it’s highest visited or most popular sites.

Introduction


4

VISITOR NUMBER TREND - 2019 VS 2020

Note: This chart shows visitor numbers at 47 selected Coillte sites. It is not a full count, but is a reliable indicator of visitor number growth across the entire Coillte estate from 2019 to 2020.

Jan

350,000

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

2019 Visitors

0Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2020 Visitors

Jan

350,000

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

2019 Visitors

0Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2020 Visitors

SELECTED FOREST LOCATIONS AND VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2020

Notes: Nomad Counter uses infra-red heat sensors to measure visitors to the forest. A Magnetometer/vehicle counter) measures cars and assumes 2.5 people per vehicle.

Source: NomadCounter on behalf of Coillte.

The value of this recreation service provided to the Irish public is in the order of €97 million and generates in excess of €270 million in recreation related economic activities in rural communities.

Coillte maintains approximately:• 3,000km of waymarked trails• Of the 1,000 trails on the national trails register 225 are Coillte trails (excluding

national trails and national loop trails• Five national MTB trail centres – some are currently being expanded significantly

– now over 200kms of trails• 12 forest parks • More than 300 recreation sites • 7 Family cycle trails at the Forest Parks

Over 60% of Fáilte Ireland national looped trails are on Coillte land.

Approximately 8,000km of forest roads across 6,000 forest blocks give access to outdoor recreation to local residents in every corner of Ireland.

Coillte owns approximately 7% of the land area of the state and has estimated that it welcomes in the region of over 18M recreation visitors annually.

Provision and Management of Recreation Facilities and Infrastructure 2018 - 2019

5


6

Annual recreation maintenance programme – 2017 to 2021

The annual programme is agreed between Coillte and DRCD and is funded by the DRCD up to a maximum of €2m per annum to cover a maximum of 80% of Coillte’s total costs.

Under the programme delivered in 2020, the key deliverables were: - • Maintenance and upgrading of the National Waymarked

Ways• Maintenance and upgrading of national looped walks,

key local trails, forest parks, picnic areas and off-road cycle trails

• Maintenance of other recreation infrastructure such as stiles, boardwalks, bog-bridges, gates, signage and waymarking

• Managing the impacts of the huge sudden increase in visitor numbers – such as expanding car-parking areas where possible and increased visitor information and signage at all recreation sites

• Maintenance of visitor information both on-site and online at Coillte’s website.

• Supporting the national trails register and maintaining the database in conjunction with Sport Ireland Outdoors

• Facilitating development of mountain access routes• Providing information through web and social media

channels to the public on recreation sites and trails, trail closures, diversions and upgrades

All of the above are consistent with delivering on Comhairle na Tuaithe strategies for improved access to walking and cycling, innovative activities and attractions and improving the availability of recreation infrastructure and facilities in the outdoors.

Delivering the annual programme

The work within Coillte’s recreation team focusses mainly on the continual improvement of trail infrastructure and recreation sites on the forest estate across the country. This entails assessment of trails each year and preparation of maintenance plans for each trail or site.

From the maintenance plans, work packages are prepared, and contract or internal staff are engaged to carry out the works. This is overseen by our forest management staff around the country and checked by the trail managers from the recreation team.

In 2020, maintenance work was carried out on almost 300 recreation sites and long-distance trails. This included maintenance on 20 of the National Waymarked Ways, 5 off-road cycle trail centres, trails and facilities at 12 of Coillte’s forest parks and more than 140 other local trails and forest sites across the forest estate. Note that the works carried out to Coillte’s main recreation sites and trails are listed later in this report, but many other smaller forest properties are used by local residents on a daily and weekly basis. The works at these sites are generally minor repairs / maintenance and the sites are too numerous to list in this report. In many cases, improving informal car-parking facilities was carried out to provide extra capacity as demand surged

Management of recreation-related issues by recreation staff

As well as managing the recreation facilities currently in place, staff in the recreation team have assisted many local and community groups with recreation initiatives on Coillte land. Many of these relate to assisting with preparation of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme-funded applications by community development groups and other stakeholder groups on Coillte lands. As ORIS funding was granted to these groups, the recreation team in Coillte managed and assisted with delivery of valuable new infrastructure – trails, trail furniture, signage, etc.

These projects assist with enhancing and expanding forest recreation infrastructure available to the public. They are vital in ensuring that local initiatives from community groups, partnership companies, Rural Recreation Officers and others are facilitated on Coillte lands.

Valuable resources are brought to the projects from these sources and through working closely with the recreation team in Coillte, many new and improved recreation facilities for the public are delivered.

The funding for many of these initiatives is sourced from DRCD through Rural Development Funding/ LEADER programme by community groups and others.

Coillte have established a Memorandum of Understanding and licence format to allow community groups to access forest lands for these projects and to drawdown funding under DRCD-funded schemes.

CaseStudies

7


8

ARDS FOREST PARK, CO. DONEGAL

This forest park is a very popular day-visit site for a family-day-out and a big tourism draw along the Atlantic way. Here you have a range of walks through native mixed deciduous and conifer forests through the dunes onto sandy beaches. DRCD funding was used to upgrade the play area and to assist with ongoing trail maintenance to keep six walking loops clear of vegetation and to manage trail drainage.

Upgrading the play facilities at Ards.

Upgraded trail surfaces at Ards.


9

LISSADELL, CO. SLIGO

Lissadell forest is adjacent to the famous estate. It has a rich cultural history and is a favourite destination for the bird watching community with a purpose build bird-hide on site. DRCD funding was used to make a new section of the trail accessible-for-all with the installation of a suitable footbridge.

New footbridge on the Access-For-All trail at Lissadell.


10

GUBBARUDAGH (MINERS WAY), CO. SLIGO

A historic trail used long ago by miners, that winds its way through Arigna valley to this point were the three counties of Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon meet.

A popular walking route that had until now, only enjoyed seasonal access due to the deep bog landscape. DRCD funding was used to replace makeshift log bridges with a timber footbridge and the path was widened to allow better access for future maintenance works.

The Miners Way, near Arigna.


11

RATHCARRICK,CO. SLIGO

The Queen Maeve trail encircles Knocknarea and from the summit on a clear day, gives a 360-degree view of Connacht and into Ulster. DRCD funding was used to repair storm damage to the carpark and some the general upkeep of the trail loop. A very popular loop with an increasing number of visitors annually.

Car-park repairs at Rathcarrick property giving access to Knocknarea and Queen Maeve’s grave.


12

BARAVORE BRIDGE, GLENMALURE VALLEY, CO. WICKLOW

Baravore is close to the end of the Glenmalure valley and is a popular destination for hikers and is also part of the ‘Lead Mines Way’. This area includes remnants of the history of the mining in the area, one of which is a crusher building that was recently secured in collaboration with Coillte and the local community.

Baravore also houses the oldest An Oige hostel in the country, a historic building from 1903, which has seen numerous famous visitors over the years.

The site is serviced by a large car park on one side of the river, but the main walking routes are on the other side and access is across a ford. But as this can be flooded on a regular basis, access is then across a footbridge. The footbridge was in a poor state and was replaced fully and raised higher above flood-water levels in 2020.

The Crusher Houseat Baravore.

The oldest An Oige Youth Hostel in Ireland at Baravore.


13

MULLAGHMEEN MOUNTAIN ACCESS, CO. WESTMEATH

Welcome to Mullaghmeen Forest. Four looped walking trails in the forest cater for most abilities. The Yellow Loop (1.4 km, 40 minutes, Easy, yellow markers) is a lovely short looped walk that takes you through mature beech woods, very popular with families and young children. The Red Loop (3.5 km, 1 hour, Moderate, red markers) a medium length walk that takes you through Beech forest but also some small pockets of Larch.

The Blue Loop (4.4 km, 1 hour, Strenous, blue markers) leads you up a single track to the cairn on the summit of Mullaghmeen with great views over the country side.

The White Loop (8.0 km, 2 hours, Strenous, white markers) takes you around most of the forest property and you get to see a lot of the largest planted broadleaf forest in Europe.

For more information on Mullaghmeen Forest visit our website www.coillte.ie.

Fáilte chuig Coill an Mhullaigh Mhín. Tá ceithre lúbchonair shiúil sa choill ar féidir le formhór na ndaoine taitneamh a bhaint astu. Siúlóid lúibe álainn is ea an Lúb Bhuí (1.4 ciliméadar, 40 nóiméad, Éasca, marcanna slí buí) a thabharfaidh trí choillte crann feá fásta thú, a bhfuil an-tóir go deo orthu ag idir óg agus aosta. Siúlóid mheánfhaid is ea an Lúb Dhearg (3.5 ciliméadar, 1 uair an chloig, Measartha, marcanna slí dearga) a thabharfaidh trí choillte crann feá thú, chomh maith le paistí beaga crann learóige.

Tabharfaidh an Lúb Ghorm (4.4 ciliméadar, 1 uair an chloig, Dian, marcanna slí gorma) suas cosán aonair thú chuig an gcarn ar bharr an Mhullaigh Mhín, áit a bhfaighidh tú radhairc iontacha ar an tír máguaird.

Tabharfaidh an Lúb Bhán (8 gciliméadar, 2 uair an chloig, Dian, marcanna slí bána) timpeall thailte na coille thú agus feicfidh tú cuid mhaith den fhoraois leathanduilleach churtha is mó dá bhfuil san Eoraip.

Le tuilleadh eolais a fháil maidir le Coill an Mhullaigh Mhín, téigh chuig ár láithreán gréasáin www.coillte.ie.

FÁILTE CHUIG COILL AN MHULLAIGH MHÍN

WELCOME TO MULLAGHMEEN FOREST

NITHE IS DÍOL SPÉISEPOINTS OF INTEREST

GRÁDÚ NA GCONAIRÍ

CONAIRÍ ‘ROCHTAIN DO CHÁCH’Is iondúil gur conairí iad seo atá leibhéalta, leathan agus réasúnta réidh. Oireann siad dóibh siúd a bhfuil deacracht bheag siúil acu, a bhfuil máchail fhisiciúil nó lagú radhairc orthu, do thuismitheoirí a bhfuil bugaí acu leo nó do leanaí an-óg.

CONAIRÍ ÉASCAIs conairí leibhéalta atá i gceist leo seo, tríd is tríd, agus beidh droimníní nó arda beaga romhat anseo is ansiúd. D’fhéadfadh an dromchla a bheith beagán garbh in áiteanna (fréamhacha, clocha, srl.) agus fána réasúnta géar a bheith romhat anseo is ansiúd. Is iondúil gur stráicí gearra a bhíonn i gceist ansin.

CONAIRÍ MEASARTHA ÉASCABeidh fána nó ard níos géire romhat ar na conairí seo, d’fhéadfadh an dromchla fút a bheith garbh, agus seans go mbeidh fréamhacha ag gobadh amach romhat agus gnéithe nádúrtha i do bhealach. Moltar bróga nó buataisí láidre a chaitheamh.

CONAIRÍ DIANABeidh fána ghéar nó ard géar romhat in áiteanna, d’fhéadfadh aon sórt dromchla a bheith fút, agus is féidir leat a bheith ag súil le stráicí an-gharbh. Tógfaidh an tsiúlóid tamall fada ort agus seans go mbeidh gá le scileanna aclaíochta agus sábháilteachta amuigh faoin spéir.

TRAIL GRADING

‘ACCESS FOR ALL’ TRAILSGenerally flat, wide and relatively smooth trails, suitable for those with limited mobility, physically and visually impaired, parents with buggies or very young children.

EASY TRAILSGenerally flat trails with some undulations. Surfaces may be a little rough in places (roots, stones, etc) with short steeper sections. Usually of short duration.

MODERATE TRAILSTrails will have steeper gradients, may have rough underfoot conditions, with protruding roots and natural features. Strong footwear recommended.

STRENUOUS TRAILSSome significant climbs and descents, with any type of surface including very rough sections to be expected. Of long duration where good physical and safety skills in the outdoors may be needed.

GARDÉÁIL I GCOINNE DÓITEÁÍNGUARD AGAINST FIRES

Breathnaigh ar chrainn feá mhaorga an Mhullaigh Mhín, an fhoraois crann feá curtha is mó dá bhfuil in Éirinn.

View the fine beech trees of Mullaghameen, it is the largest planted beech forest in Ireland.

Is iontach na radhairc a gheobhaidh tú taobh ó thuaidh den Mhullach Mín ar Loch Síleann agus ar Chontae an Chabháin i bhfad uait.

The summit of Mullaghmeen provides magnificent views north across Lough Sheelin and into the neighbouring county of Cavan.

Tabhair cuairt ar sheanbhallaí ón nGorta Mór, bothán buaile agus poill lín. Bhíodh an líon ina bharr iontach tábhachtach don earnáil línéadaigh tráth agus dhéantaí é a bhaint agus a phortúsan cheantar seo.

Visit and view relic walls of famine fields, a Booley Hut and Flax Pits once an important crop for the linen industry that was harvested and cured in this area.

You Are Here

Mullaghmeen Road Trailhead 1300 x 700.indd 1Mullaghmeen Road Trailhead 1300 x 700.indd 1 12/10/2020 18:0612/10/2020 18:06

Mullaghmeen is Irelands largest planted Beech forest, and has a long cultural history associated with it. You can view relic walls of famine fields, a Booley Hut and Flax Pits once an important crop for the linen industry that was harvested and cured in this area. A popular spot for walkers and the long loop is used by people as a warm-up for doing the Camino.

It is also home to Westmeath’s highest point at 261m. The summit of Mullaghmeen provides magnificent views north across Lough Sheelin and into the neighbouring county of Cavan.

The route to the summit from both sides had become very eroded and unsafe underfoot, so a new upgraded surface was installed in 2020.


14

PENNYLANDS CAR PARK, FORTH MOUNTAIN, CO. WEXFORD

With the upgrade of the ‘Three Rocks Trail’ (17km) across Forth Mountain, increasing numbers of visitors have flocked to this site given its proximity to Wexford town.

Coillte have two bell-mouth forest entrances half way along the trail divided by a county road, it has become a popular spot for people who only wanted to do half the trail, either by going to and from or car-pooling by leaving one car at the start and another at the end.

The current layby parking at the entrances could not accommodate the usage, so to further enhance the offering of the ‘Three Rocks Trail’ and the excellent infrastructure that has been put in by Wexford County Council in partnership with Coillte, it was decided to upgrade and expand car-parking to facilitate additional visitors.


15

CURRAGH CHASE FOREST PARK, CO. LIMERICK

There is large children’s play area at Curragh Chase which is significant draw for families to the Park. Every year, this play equipment is tested rigorously and certified for use, so upgrades are necessary to ensure that safe and enjoyable play structures are always provided.

A large upgrade was carried out in February 2020 using DRCD funding to the play area and surrounding features and grounds.


16

BALLYHOURA MTB TRAIL CENTRE, CO. LIMERICK & CORK

Ballyhoura is the oldest Mountain Bike Trail Centre in Ireland opened in 2007, and many of the trail sections underwent extensive maintenance in 2020 with more planned for 2021.

Visitor numbers are approx. 40,000 per annum and this site is a flagship for local villages and towns, creating local economic activity in food, accommodation and retail spending.

The trail centre and surrounding villages and businesses will benefit greatly from addition of new trails across the mountain range in 2002 and 2023, as part of the RRDF-funding allocated to the National Trail Centres by DRCD.

The picture below shows a section of trail after ‘stone -pitching’ repairs are carried out to strengthen the trail surface and extend its life for many more years. While these trail systems create significant visitor spending in local areas, they have much higher maintenance costs to keep in a durable and safe condition than any other trails on Coillte lands. The benefit of having DRCD funding to maintain them in a great condition keeps visitors returning again and again.


17

GLENGARRA,CO. TIPPERARY

Glengarra forest and recreation site hosts one of Ireland Millennium forests high up in the valley above, and also Mountain Lodge, a wonderful 18 century shooting lodge, maintained in great condition by Coillte and the local community group.

It is also the kicking-off point for a summit attempt of Galtymore by experienced hillwalkers, while providing many lowland walking options for families and others long the river valley.

It was upgraded extensively in 2007 but needed a trail upgrade and full ‘refresh’ and replacement of mapboards and signage in 2020.

Appendix

18


19

Appendix 1 – Sites maintained with DRCD funding contribution in 2020

All Car-parking Various Upgrade works to many small/layby car-parking areas at various locations in response to significant increased demand for accesss to outdoor recreation sites.

All Cycle trail design Various Design costs for family cycle trails at forest parks.

All Play equipment Various 3rd party certified assessments of playground equipment carried out. Ongoing monitoring and replacement of equipment parts as required in all playgrounds (x8).

All Signage design Various Technical support for signage design.

All Signage design and supply Various For replacement, additional and new signage requirements.

All Trail design surveys Various Design and survey for new/upgraded trails.

All Visitor counters Various Continue data collection using visitor counters at circa 40 sites.

All Website/Mapping Various Website upgrades and mapping surveys.

Carlow Clogrennan Carlow Hedge cutting and upgrade some parts of the walkway.

Carlow Kilbrannish Bunclody Hedge cutting and upgrade some parts of the walkway & Picnic area.

Cavan Bailieboro Bailieboro New trail and trailhead sign installed.

Cavan Bawnboy Bawnboy General Maintenance. Looped trail here.

Cavan Burren Blacklion General Maintenance works to trails. Replace trail furniture. Plans for significant expansion in 2021/22.

Cavan Deerpark Virginia General maintenance. Restoration of old metal bridge within the site. Upgrade of existing trail and new signage added to complement new trail works.

Cavan Dun an Ri Forest Park Kingscourt General maintenance. Update of signage across the park. Upgrade of trails. Toilet Block maintenance works in 2020, but requires full upgrade.

County Site/trail Name Nearest Town Works Undertaken

Note: General maintenance refers to vegetation control, minor surface repairs, repairs to water control features and repairs to trail furniture.


20


Cavan Killykeen Forest Park Cavan General Maintenance, including grass cutting and hedge cutting. Signage and map trail upgrade. Bridge re-painted. Toilet block repaired but needs new or major upgrdae in the future. Rationalise trailhead area and realign trail start.

Cavan Senator Billy Fox Shercock Dangerous trees removed. General maintenance works. Good work by local community group here also.

Clare Ballycuggaran Killaloe General maintenance; Major car-park and forest road access improvements here.

Clare Cahermurphy Cahermurphy Repairs to entrance and barrier.

Clare Cratloe Limerick Very popular site; extensive trail upgrading throughout.

Clare East Clare Way Various Hedge Cutting Branches, Road Repair, General (Knocknageeha) maintenance.

Clare Kilrush Kilrush Lease on Vandeleur estate to local community group; 2 looped walks and a multi-access route; General maintenance on Coillte lands.

Clare Mountainpark Woodford General maintenance.

Cork Ardarou Glenville General maintenance to trails and car park.

Cork Ballard Kilworth Harvesting completed, so extensive trail repairs carried out to old network.

Cork Ballyannan Midleton General maintenance & order & install Cong seat.

Cork Beara Way Various General maintenance & remedial works. Clearing of windblow from trails when required.

Cork Carrigfadda Rosscarbery General maintenance. New signage installed. Ongoing maintenance on the ‘stepped’ section.

Cork Castleblagh Ballyhooley General maintenance. Trailhead moved to accommodate increased numbers of cars.




21


Cork Castlefreke Rathbarry General maintenance - hedge-cutting, litter, grass-cutting, etc. Large trail network on this site. Significant signage upgrade carried out.

Cork Castlemartyr Castlemartyr General maintenance. New signage.

Cork Corrin Fermoy General ongoing maintenance. Vegetation growth can be vigorous here in open sections.

Cork Curragh Midleton General maintenance of two parking areas. Ongoing monitoring of unsanctioned mountain biking.

Cork Curraghbinny Carrigaline General maintenance; tree surgery.

Cork Dromillihy Leap General maintenance; install new signage.

Cork Dromkeen Inishannon General maintenance.

Cork Dunboy Castletownbere Signage installed and general maintenance.

Cork Farran Forest Park Coachford Ongoing maintenance of the Park. Grass cutting, clearing of windblow, Maintenance of orienteering course, walking trails, picnic areas ongoing.

Cork Garrettstown/Ballinspittle Garrettstown Install waymarking and seats.

Cork Glansheskin Kilworth General maintenance. (East Munster Way)

Cork Glenabo Fermoy General maintenance & clearing of windblown trees post storms.

Cork Glenanair Ardpatrick Trail maintenance and signage; general maintenance.

Cork Glenbower Killeagh General maintenance.

Cork Guagán Barra Forest Park Ballingeary General maintenance of a park that is in an exposed site in terms of the elements. Upper trails on the hills need annual repair of steps and water management and the lower trails require remedial work on occasion post flooding events. Lights and CCTV repairs at forest entrance.




22


Cork Island Wood Newmarket Square off existing car park to increase car parking capacity. General maintenance.

Cork Kilbarry Fermoy Clearing windblow.

Cork Kilbrittain Kilbrittain General maintenance.

Cork Marlogue Cobh (Great Is) General maintenance: Windblow removed and repairs carried out to trails, etc.

Cork Moanbaun Watergrasshill General maintenance - hedgecutting. Updated the mapboard.

Cork Mount Hillary Banteer General maintenance; hedge-cutting along looped routes.

Cork Mullinhassig Waterfall Coachford General maintenance & install new threshold & trailhead; windblow to be cleared; trees to be removed from river; clean rubbish; safety signage.

Cork Oldcourt Rochestown General maintenance.

Cork Pooleen Glengarriff General maintenance.

Cork Rineen Leap Install blue markers for waymarking, general maintenance and repairs to forest road.

Cork Rostellan Aghada General maintenance.

Cork Sheeps Head Way Various General maintenance and remedial works; Address windblow when required - regular occurrence.

Cork Warrenscourt Macroom Signage & install waymarking.

Donegal Ards Forest Park Dunfanaghy Extensive trail repairs; General maintenance costs at busy forest park.

Donegal Ballykeeran Kilmacrennan Drainage and some spots needed gravel. Entrance fencing and gate repaired.

Donegal Bluestack Way Donegal General maintenance. (Bord na Móna)




23

Donegal Bonny Glen (Derryhirk) Inver Path repairs General maintenance.

Donegal Carrickbressil Millford Drainage and cut back vegetation carried out.

Donegal Church Hill Letterkenny Drainage and cut back vegetation carried out.

Donegal Corravaddy Letterkenny New signage and mapping. Some gravel repairs to sections.

Donegal Drumboe Stranorlar Ongoing maintenance. Drainage and cut back.

Donegal Drumharriff Pettigo Cut back growth required and some drainage.

Donegal Drumonaghan (Ballyair) Ramelton General path maintenance.

Donegal Kilrean Glenties Path maintenance and drainage, cut back required.

Donegal Knader Ballyshannon Road maintenance works.

Donegal Lisnagra Muff General maintenance.

Donegal Lough Eske Donegal Cut back growth, clean verges, some re-surfacing carried out.

Donegal Monellan Killygordon Path maintenance and drainage. New mapping and signage.

Donegal Mullaghagarry Ballybofey Some path maintenance and verges.

Donegal Murvagh Donegal New signage and mapping. Some path maintenance.

Donegal Pilgrim path (Lough Derg) Pettigo Drainage, pot holes and verges.

Donegal Woodquarter Milford Gravel required on sections. Verges.

Galway Aghrane Ballygar Cycle route here; signage; general repairs; seating installed.

Galway Ardnageeha Cong General maintenance.

Galway Castlegrove Tuam General maintenance.

Galway Chevychase Gort General maintenance - trail and forest track repairs.




24



Galway Clonbur Clonbur General maintenance.

Galway Cong Cong General maintenance.

Galway Derroura Maam Cross Continuing trail repairs to sections near trailhead.

Galway Derryclare Lough Inagh General maintenance.

Galway Derrygill Woodford General maintenance.

Galway Dunsandle Loughrea General maintenance.

Galway Hymany way Various General maintenance.

Galway Inchagoill Island Cong General maintenance.

Galway Kilcornan Clarenbridge General maintenance; plans for ambitious new recreation site in partnership with GCC.

Galway Knockbrack Small site; entrance improved here.

Galway Kylebrack Abbey General maintenance.

Galway Lackavrea Maam Cross Ongoing continuing replacement of timber decking on Western way to keep it open to public through Lackavrea property. Needs long-term replacement solution or request RRO to work with adjacent landowners for alternative route. Galway Monivea Monivea General maintenance & surfacing on trails.

Galway Mountainpark Woodford General maintenance.

Galway Mountbellew Mountbellew Post-harvesting work needed on roads. Well-used. Encroachment of vegetation along roads.

Galway New Village Oughterard General maintenance.

Galway Portumna Forest Park Portumna Extensive car-parking improvements, more needed as site continues to grow in popularity & continue to work on services to visitor building.

Galway Roscahill Moycullen Well-used at lake frontage; cut back hedges; tidy up car-park; resurface trails.


25



Galway Rosturra Woodford Millennium site; General maintenance.

Galway Sonnock/ Gortnamannagh Kilchreest General maintenance.

Galway Tullyconor/ Lettershanbally Leenane General maintenance.

Galway Western way Galway Various General maintenance.

Galway Woodlawn Woodlawn New signage and trails ; well-roaded, could be expanded into wider area.

Galway Woodstock Galway city Trail upgraded; hedge-cutting, etc.

Kerry Ballygamboon Tralee General maintenance.

Kerry Caragh Lake Killorglin Tree surgery, signage & general mainteance.

Kerry Glannageenty Castleisland General maintenance of site and car park.

Kerry Glanteenassig Castlegregory Installation of signage, ongoing repairs to the boardwalk, general maintenance.

Kerry Gleensk Kells Bay Trail upgrade leading to picnic furniture.

Kerry Glenbeigh Glenbeigh Tree surgery, signs for exposed edges, release water on trail at points.

Kerry Kerry Way Various Continue to remove windblown trees and improve surfaces.

Kerry Kilderry Castlemaine General maintenance.

Kerry Killaclohane Milltown General maintenance & hedge cutting.

Kerry Kimego Caherciveen General maintenance.

Kerry Lickeen Glencar Remedial works to adress water on trails.

Kerry Lyracrompane Listowel Install existing signage. Remedial works on muddy path (flagstones), tree surgery.

Kerry Pike Wood Killarney Tree surgery.

Kerry Rossacroo Kilgarvan General maintenance.


26



Kildare Donadea Forest Park Prosperous General maintenance, and upgrade to remaining trails identified in 2019 audit .

Kildare Killinthomas Rathangan New Signage.

Kildare Maddenstown Kildare General maintenance to car parking.

Kildare Moore Abbey Monasterevin General Maintenance.

Kildare Mullaghreelan Castledermot General Maintenance.

Kildare Rahin Edenderry General Maintenance.

Kilkenny Browns Wood Freshford General Maintenance.

Kilkenny Castlemorris Ballyhale General maintenance.

Kilkenny Coill an Fhaltaigh Kilkenny (Millennium site) New Tables installed, path Maintenance and Hedge cutting.

Kilkenny Jenkinstown Kilkenny General park upgrade and resurface carpark and new benches.

Kilkenny Mountaingrove Pilltown General Maintenance.

Kilkenny South Leinster Way Various Upgrade and maintain NWW.

Kilkenny Woodstock Inistioge General Maintenance.

Laois Brittas Clonaslee General Maintenance.

Laois Capponellan Durrow General maintenance.

Laois Carrick Wood Portarlington General maintenance.

Laois Cathole Rosenallis General maintenance. Local authority own car-park.

Laois Dunmore Durrow General maintenance. River Clearance required by Laois Co Co to clear the river. Post clearance works to trails.

Laois Emo Court Emo General maintenance.

Laois Garryhinch Portarlington General maintenance.


27



Laois Glenbarrow Rosenallis General maintenance.

Laois Kelliville Stradbally General Maintenance and grass cutting.

Laois Knocknatrina (Leafy Loop) Durrow General maintenance.

Laois Lacca Camross General maintenance to Millennium Forest.

Laois Monicknew Clonaslee General maintenance and grass cutting.

Laois Oughaval Stradbally General maintenance and grass cutting.

Laois Slieve Bloom Way Rosenallis General maintenance along the full route. (New bog bridge)

Laois The Cut Clonaslee General maintenance.

Laois The Derries Ballybrittas General maintenance. (Rathadaire Lake walk)

Leitrim Derrycarne Castlebaldwin Repair the barrier at the entrance and general maintenance.

Leitrim Derrynahimmirk Kiltyclogher General maintenance.

Leitrim Glencar Waterfall Glencar Tree surgery and maintenance.

Leitrim Glenfarne Manorhamilton General maintenance. Plan with LCC to develop this site significantly in 2022/23.

Leitrim Milltown/Ballyglass Manorhamilton Replace gates, fences, tree surgery.

Leitrim Scardan waterfall Drumkeeran Repair to Handrail. General Maintenance.

Limerick Ballyhoura MTB Ardpatrick Remedial work on the Trim Trail, and remedial works post harvesting. Significant upgrade work carried out on the Brown Trail.

Limerick Curragh Chase Forest Park Kildimo Major replacment of play features in the childrens playground, new signage and trail maintenance.

Limerick Foynes Foynes General maintenance. Limerick Galty Castle Kilbehenny Replace signage and repair the cobbled culverts.


28



Limerick Glenstal Murroe Install signage, waymarking.

Limerick Mountain Meitheal Galtees Ongoing support and materials provided to Mountain Meitheal who carried out manual works on access points around the Galtys.

Limerick Multeen Way Various Minor repairs. Clear windblow when required.

Limerick National Looped Walks Various Ongoing trail repair works as needed.

Longford Corn Hill Drumlish General maintenance.

Longford Derrycassan Granard General maintenance. Windblown trees, storm tidy up, repairing trails.

Longford Gowna Gowna General maintenance. Trail Repair. New threshold sign installed here.

Longford Newcastle Ballymahon Improved signage. Integrate the local community works into the Coillte sections on trails.

Longford Rathcline Lanesboro General maintenance.

Louth Ravensdale Ravensdale General maintenance. Threshold sign installed. Markers installed.

Louth Sliabh Foye/Carlingford Carlingford Entrance road ongoing repairs to car-park.

Louth Townley Hall Tullyallen General Maintenance. Threshold Signs and get waymarkers installed on the paths. Tree surgery along the Glens section.

Mayo Belleek wood Ballina General maintenance.

Mayo Blanemore Moygownagh General Maintenance.

Mayo Brackloon wood Westport Rhododendron ongoing treatment and removal to open up paths. Path repairs when needed.

Mayo Castlemagarrett Claremorris General Maintenance.

Mayo Clydagh Bridge Castlebar General Maintenance. Mayo Drummin Foxford Seats repaired, general maintenance.


29



Mayo Knockranny Westport Trail upgrading and repairs.

Mayo Moorehall Ballintubber General maintenance.

Mayo Nephin more (Lahardane) Lahardaun General maintenance.

Mayo Raheens Castlebar General maintenance.

Mayo Tawnyard Drummin General maintenance.

Mayo Tourmakeady Tourmakeady Additional signage and general maintenance.

Mayo Western way Various Boardwalk repair and general maintenance.

Meath Littlewood Slane Trail maintenance and signage replaced.

Meath Summerhill Summerhill Trail maintenance and signage replaced.

Monaghan Black Island Castleblaney Maintenance work to all trails.

Monaghan Rossmore Forest Park Monaghan Minor ongoing maintenance works. Offaly Castletown (Kinnitty) Kinnitty Ongoing invasives control and repairs to river paths.

Offaly Durrow Abbey Tullamore General maintenance.

Offaly Glasderry Wood Brosna General maintenance.

Offaly Golden Grove Roscrea General maintenance work. New trailhead sign.

Offaly Knockbarron Kinnitty General maintenance.

Roscommon Correen Ballinasloe Small site and general maintenance.

Roscommon Derryvunny Carrigeenroe Small recreation site on north side of Lough Key. General maintenance.

Roscommon Knockranny Drumshanbo General maintenance.

Roscommon Lough Key Forest Park Boyle General maintenance to Coillte sections.

Roscommon Miners way/Historical trail Various Major upgrade near Arigna on Sligo side. Roscommon Mote Park Roscommon Ongoing maintenance works, in conjunction with local community group.


30



Roscommon Suck Valley way Castlerea Boardwalk upgraded at Dunamon and general maintenance.

Sligo Carns Sligo General maintenance.

Sligo Carrownaskeagh Coolaney General maintenance.

Sligo Cartron (Troll wood ) Sligo General maintenance.

Sligo Cullentra (Killerry) Ballintogher General maintenance.

Sligo Deerpark Sligo General maintenance.

Sligo Dooney Sligo General maintenance.

Sligo Glen Wood Coolaney General maintenance.

Sligo Gleniff Drumcliff General maintenance.

Sligo Gortarowey Sligo General maintenance.

Sligo Hazelwood Sligo General maintenance.

Sligo Lissadell Sligo General Maintenance, new accessible bridge installed.

Sligo Mass Hill Tobercurry General maintenance.

Sligo Rathcarrick Collooney New trail installed here to Queen maeves Grave. General Maintenance.

Sligo Rathscanlon Tubbercurry General Maintenance and fencing installed.

Sligo Red earls road Boyle General maintenance works.

Sligo Sligo Way Various Work ongoing to upgrade trails.

Sligo Slishwood Sligo Trail maintenance and grass cutting; tree surgery.

Sligo Union wood Collooney General Maintenance, ongoing repairs to section connecting to Union Rock. Tipperary Bansha Woods Bansha General maintenance.


31



Tipperary Bishops Wood Dundrum General maintenance, install picnic furniture.

Tipperary Cahir Park Cahir General maintenance; tree pruning.

Tipperary Devils Bit trail Templemore/ Install signage and upgrade waymarking. Monegall

Tipperary Doonane/Ballyhourigan Silvermines General maintenance and waymarking.

Tipperary Glen - Kilsheelan Kilsheelan General maintenance.

Tipperary Glengarra Cahir/Mitchelstown Trail construction and upgrading, install bew signage and extend lease on hostel to local group.

Tipperary Gortavoher Tipperary town Ongoing repairs to Ardloman car park.

Tipperary Grangecrag Thurles/Urlingford General maintenance; windblow clearance; tree pruning.

Tipperary Greenfield Cappawhite Post & rail, car park trailhead, install loops.

Tipperary Kildanogue Clogheen General maintenance.

Tipperary Killballyboy Ballyporeen General maintenance, installed threshold.

Tipperary Knockanacree Cloughjordan General maintenance & tree surgery along trails.

Tipperary Knockanroe/Step Silvermines Install signs & waymarking

Tipperary Marl Bog Dundrum General maintenance and trail repairs

Tipperary Marlfield Clonmel General maintenance and trail surfacing

Tipperary Slieve Felim Way Various Installed stile at Tooreenbrienbridge. Monitor drainage works here also. Ongoing waymarking replacements.

Tipperary Sopwell Cloughjordan General maintenance.

Tipperary Tipperary Heritage Way Various General maintenance.

Waterford Carey’s Castle Clonmel Map new trail, waymark, new signage & general maintenance.

Waterford Colligan Dungarvan Install waymarking & ongoing maintenance.


32



Waterford Dromana Villierstown General maintenance.

Waterford East Munster Way Various Windblow damage; repairs.

Waterford Faithlegg Waterford General maintenance; trail repairs/upgrade.

Waterford Glenshelane Cappoquin General maintenance, hedge cutting, install signs.

Waterford Kilclooney Rathcormack Ongoing maintenance.

Waterford Mahon Bridge Kilmacthomas General maintenance only.

Westmeath Ballinafid (Kilpatrick) Mullingar General maintenance. Signage update to threshold.

Westmeath Ballingall Mullingar General maintenance. Highly used site. Improvement of Health and Safety required by extension of a railing.

Westmeath Moydrum Athlone General maintenance.

Westmeath Mullaghmeen Oldcastle Construct new trail to highest point. Mechanically clean arboretum, clear old roadway, clear & blow carpark.

Westmeath Westmeath Way Athlone General maintenance.

Wexford Askamore Carnew General maintenance.

Wexford Ballyfad Gorey Hedge cutting and upgrade to some parts of the walkway.

Wexford Bree Hill Enniscorthy General maintenance.

Wexford Camolin Park Camolin General trail maintenance, millenium park and hedge cutting.

Wexford Carrickbyrne New Ross New Signage and Path Maintenance.

Wexford Coolmelagh Bunclody General maintenance.

Wexford Courtown Gorey Re-surface walkways and cut vegetation, Treat Knot Weed.

Wexford Dunanore Enniscorthy Car park maintenace, trail maintenance.


33



Wexford Forth Mtn Wexford Car parks, maintenance and upgrade to new walking trail.

Wexford Kilaneran Gorey General maintenance.

Wexford Lacken Hill New Ross General maintenance.

Wexford Oaklands New Ross Resurface trails.

Wexford Raheenleagh Arklow General maintenance.

Wexford Tara Hill Gorey Upgrade and resurface trails.

Wexford The Raven Curracloe General trail maintenance.

Wexford Tintern New Ross Re-surfaced walkways and upgraded walk in the Deal Park enclosure. New car-parking area; new footbridge.

Wicklow Aughrim Aughrim General maintenance. (Sean Lenihan Walk)

Wicklow Avondale Forest Park Rathdrum Ongoing repairs to River trail and Railway Walk, general maintenance, grass-cutting.

Wicklow Avonmore Way Laragh General maintenance.

Wicklow Ballinafunshoge Glenmalure General maintenance.

Wicklow Ballinastoe MTB Roundwood General maintenance.

Wicklow Ballygannon Rathdrum General maintenance, new tables.

Wicklow Baravore Glenmalure New bridge installed at Baravore.

Wicklow Crone Enniskerry Drainage work, signage.

Wicklow Devils Glen Ashford General maintenance, trail cleaning, improve access road.

Wicklow Djouce (Deerpark) Roundwood Signage upgrade path from car park.

Wicklow Drumgoff Glenmalure General maintenance. Wicklow Glenart Arklow General maintenance.


34



Wicklow Kilmagig Avoca General maintenance. Wicklow Kindlestown Greystones General maintenance. Wicklow Mount Kennedy Newtown General maintenance & signage installed. Wicklow Rathwood Tullow General maintenance. Wicklow Shay Elliot Glenmalure General maintenance. Wicklow St Kevin’sWay Various General maintenance. Wicklow Trooperstown Laragh Signage installed.

Wicklow Wicklow Way Various General maintenance and continuous improvements.

Wicklow Woodenbridge Arklow General maintenance.


35

For more information about Coillte,please contact us at:Coillte,Dublin Road,Newtownmountkennedy,Co. Wicklow,A63 DN25.

Tel: 1890 367 378Email: [email protected]

provision and management of recreation facilities and

Documents