McGreehan welcomes funding for Louth recreation sites

Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the allocation of €30,000 for improvements to the main car park surface at Townley Hall, which will include tar and chip surfacing to provide better access for visitors.

The funding forms part of a wider government announcement which will see more than €3 million invested in Coillte recreational sites in 2026 for new trail infrastructure and ongoing maintenance across 224 locations nationwide.

A number of sites across Louth will benefit from maintenance funding to support and sustain Coillte’s recreation forests and amenities throughout the county.

• Carlingford Sliabh Foye: Minor trail repairs, verge cutting and targeted tree surgery where required.
• Ravensdale: Minor trail repairs, verge cutting and targeted tree surgery where required.
• Townley Hall: Minor trail repairs, verge cutting and targeted tree surgery where required, in addition to the €30,000 allocation for car park surface improvements.

Coillte manages 440,000 hectares of primarily forested land and is the largest provider of outdoor recreation space in Ireland, as well as the nation’s largest forester and producer of certified wood, a natural, renewable and sustainable resource.

Speaking on the announcement, Deputy McGreehan said:

“Outdoor amenities are vital spaces that bring communities together, provide places for families and friends to meet and offer opportunities to reconnect with nature.

“The funding announced today will ensure that these amenities across Louth can continue to be maintained to a high standard, allowing thousands of people to access and enjoy them in the years to come.

“The work Coillte does to protect our forests and outdoor recreational sites is second to none, and the funding provided is essential to preserving the facilities we all value.”

Read Next: Plans underway for 65 homes close to Oriel Park in Dundalk

The 2026 investment includes €2 million to support ongoing maintenance and associated works at more than 200 recreational sites across the country. A further €1.1 million will support the development of new recreation amenities and the upgrade of existing facilities at 20 locations nationwide.

In addition to maintaining and enhancing Coillte’s trail network and recreation amenities, the funding will also support ongoing engagement with local communities and recreation groups across the country.