Coillte, the semi-state forestry company, in collaboration with Roscommon County Council, has revealed plans to improve Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.

Currently in its initial stages of concept and design, this sustainable development initiative is part of Coillte's strategy to establish more world-class visitor destinations across Ireland.

The project has secured €1.2 million from Fáilte Ireland's Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, with co-funding from the EU and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition fund. This funding will support the development plan aimed at enriching the visitor experience at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.

Among the range of enhancements being considered are:

• An activity centre for children and adults;

• New forest experiences to further enhance the existing aerial adventures and tower experiences;

• An enhanced beach and swimming area at the lake;

• A meadow/lawn events area;

• Expanded dining and on-site retail facilities offering local artisan foods and crafts;

• Improved parking at the site.

Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in County Roscommon spans 350 hectares of forest, semi-natural woodland and parkland surrounding the picturesque Lough Key. The park attracts numerous visitors annually, who come to enjoy its aerial forest adventures, electric bike trails, Boda Borg, Adventure Play Kingdom, kayaking, boat tours on the lake or simply to explore nature by walking through the woodlands and forests.

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Mark Carlin, MD Coillte Forest said: "This project is part of Coillte’s strategy to create more world class visitor destinations and increase recreation spaces nationally. Investment in enhancing the visitor experience at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park will encourage local, national and international visitors to stay longer and spend more in Co. Roscommon and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, driving economic and employment opportunities for local communities. It is our intention that the same high-quality standard that we applied to the development of Beyond the Trees Avondale will be brought to this project. We envisage that the investment in enhancing the amenities and facilities will create a truly world class visitor destination for Co. Roscommon. We’re delighted to receive this funding from Fáilte Ireland which will be used to support our vision for Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.

"As we develop the plan for the site, in conjunction with Roscommon County Council, we will seek the views of local stakeholders and communities, and there will be a number of opportunities to take feedback on board before we finalise the plans for the park."

Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council stated: "We are delighted to receive this funding from Fáilte Ireland which will part fund the enhancement of Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. The park is an important outdoor recreational facility for Boyle and the wider county, but it is also an important tourist destination which boosts to the local economy. We very much look forward to developing the park further and welcoming more local, national and international visitors as our plans progress."

Paddy Mathews, Head of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland commented: "We are pleased to announce our initial investment grants for projects under our Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking scheme, which includes this exciting development for Lough Key for Coillte in conjunction with Roscommon County Council.

"The transformative projects that are being funded under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, and which span the entire region, will create more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit Roscommon and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. This will generate new opportunities for employment, empower local businesses, and enhance local communities, while strengthening the appeal of the Midlands as a tourist destination for generations to come. We look forward to working with Coillte and Roscommon County Council to deliver this project."