Major investment confirmed for popular Ballina location
Dara Calleary. Pic: Michael McLaughlin
Local communities in Ballina and Tourmakeady are to benefit from a €135,000 investment as part of a nationwide announcement by Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
"I am delighted to be allocating €105,000 for Belleek Woods and €30,000 for Tourmakeady Trail as part of a €3.13 million investment in Coillte recreational sites for 2026.
"The funding that my Department is allocating to Belleek Woods will support the first installation of play features in the very popular woodland, creating a new play trail designed to enhance the visitor experience fir families and children. The development aims to make Belleek even more engaging while encouraging outdoor activity in a safe and natural environment.
"In Tourmakeady I am announcing €30,000 for the addition of trail protection features along the riverbank to reduce erosion and protect the walking route.
"Amenities such as Belleek Woods are extremely important for community wellbeing with such natural spaces playing a vital role in supporting both physical and mental health. The new trail will further boost the appeal of Belleek as a key recreational destination in North Mayo and will attract more visitors while enhancing the experience of the woods for local families.
"I am delighted to be able to support this strategic partnership with Coillte in 2026, the final year of my Department's current 5 year partnership which has seen over €16 million provided to support and maintain Coillte's wonderful recreation forests and amenities across the country. As well as supporting new infrastructure projects such as those outlined for Belleek and Tourmakeady, we are also providing funding for maintenance and repair works at Brackloon, Breaffy, Castlemacgarrett, Clydagh, Knockranny, Creagh, Drummin, Glenamoy, Massbrook, Moorehall, Moygownagh, Nephin, and Raheens ," he said.
"I want to thank Coillte for their ongoing commitment to developing and maintaining our recreational woodlands and look forward to these new features being added," concluded Minister Calleary.
