I welcome news of a new investment for Coillte forest trails in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath to promote the enjoyment of walking and cycling.
Minister Humphreys has allocated €67,000 for Laois, €18,000 for Offaly and €27,000 for Westmeath for the maintenance of forest parks, walking and cycling trails.
Many of us will recognise the forests that are targeted for funding today, places like Castletown in Kinnitty, Carn Park along the Westmeath Way and in my own locality, Garryhinch. We enjoy these trails but we shouldn’t take them for granted and today’s funding will help with necessary maintenance, ensuring we can continue to enjoy being outdoors in safety.
This investment is a partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte, within my own remit of responsibility, and will further enhance the great outdoor amenity that Coillte continues to offer – benefitting people of the Midlands and nationally every day of the year
Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) are running a series of walks across Ireland from the 9- 20 of May. These are to encourage us to enjoy recreation in nature - I see there is one in Laois on Tuesday the 17th of May in Ballyroan.