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Minister for Rural and Community Development, and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has officially opened a series of upgraded recreational amenities in parks throughout County Monaghan.
The enhancements and extensions were made possible through funding programmes administered by the Minister's department.
Hollywood Park received over €270,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, which was used to develop a high-quality freshwater bathing site. The funding facilitated the upgrading of walkways, picnic and seating areas, as well as the provision of new changing facilities and toilets.
Dartrey Park also benefited from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, receiving €400,000 for enhancement works. These included the creation of informal play spaces, the installation of interpretation and seating, and the implementation of improved accessibility measures.
An additional €150,000 was awarded under the Community Recognition Fund for an extension to the Rossmore Forest Park playground, situated just outside Monaghan town. This funding enabled the installation of play equipment suitable for older children, safety surfacing, additional car parking facilities, and accessible picnic areas.
Speaking at the opening events in Monaghan, Minister Calleary said: "Investment in our outdoors is a key priority for Government. Through funds such as the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, funding is being provided to develop and enhance these outdoor facilities. Activity in the outdoors is so important not just for our physical health but also for our mental wellbeing. I want to thank my predecessor in the Department, former Minister Heather Humphreys, who ensured that schemes such as this were available and accessible to communities."
Minister Calleary also highlighted his department's strategic partnership with Coillte, which invests €3 million annually in the development and maintenance of recreational facilities across over 250 sites in Ireland. He noted that this partnership is facilitating high-quality recreational access across the country, including at Dartrey and Rossmore Parks.
