Coillte, working with Leitrim County Council, has begun development works at Glenfarne Wood in Co Leitrim, launching a first-phase investment of €2.7 milliom.

The programme is backed by €2.5m in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and is part of a two-phase, planning-approved scheme to enhance one of the county's most distinctive woodlands as a high-quality, sustainable visitor destination for Leitrim and the wider north-west.

Phase one will deliver a new trailhead building as a central arrival and information point with facilities for sheltered events and community activities, expanded car parking, a new multi-access playground, and an inclusive sensory walking trail linking to the lakefront. The upgrades are designed to improve accessibility and create more opportunities for families, schools, community groups and visitors.

A sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of works was attended by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary T.D., alongside representatives of Coillte, Leitrim County Council, contractor P.J. Treacy & Sons Ltd, local representatives and community groups. The first phase is expected to support more than 20 jobs, with increased visitor numbers and tourism spend anticipated to bring longer-term economic benefits to Glenfarne and the surrounding region.

-- Advertisement --

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary T.D. said: "The Glenfarne Wood enhancement project is hugely positive for Leitrim and the surrounding area, and I'm delighted that the work is getting underway. Our forests are a wonderful amenity for local communities and visitors, providing opportunities for people to get outdoors, enjoy nature and support local tourism.

"It is great to see Coillte and Leitrim County Council working together to enhance Glenfarne Wood. This investment will greatly improve the visitor experience while supporting tourism and delivering wider economic benefits for Glenfarne, Leitrim and the north-west region."

Mark Carlin, Managing Director, Coillte Forest said: "This marks an important milestone in the development of Glenfarne Wood. This project will enhance a valued recreation amenity that already means a great deal to local people in Leitrim, while creating new opportunities for recreation, wellbeing and sustainable tourism in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

"The enhancement of Glenfarne Wood is a great example of Coillte’s strategy in action and of the multiple benefits our forests provide for people and communities. By investing in high-quality recreation, we are supporting tourism, encouraging more people to enjoy the outdoors and contributing to community wellbeing. Working in partnership with Leitrim County Council, and with support from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, we are making Glenfarne Wood more accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

"I would like to thank Minister Calleary and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for their support, and Leitrim County Council, and the local community for their collaboration in bringing this development forward. We look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to Glenfarne, Leitrim, and the wider region."