Major funding announced for Coillte sites across Leitrim and Sligo

Sligo-Leitrim FG TD and Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the announcement from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht of details of €3.13m funding that the department will provide in 2026 as part of its’ strategic partnership with Coillte.

In Co. Leitrim, amenities which will receive funding include

• Dean's Lake Trail Routine - upkeep of paths and signage.

• Derrycarne Minor trail repairs and verge cutting, with spot tree surgery where needed.

• Glencar Waterfall Minor trail repairs and verge cutting, with spot tree surgery where needed.

• Glenfarne General trail maintenance and surfacing improvements within the Forest Recreation Area. Milltown/Ballyglass Minor trail repairs and verge cutting, with spot tree surgery where needed. Scardan waterfall Routine upkeep of paths and signage.

• The Leitrim Way Minor trail repairs and verge cutting, with spot tree surgery where needed.

Minister Feighan welcomed the funding as further evidence of overall government support for important greenways and recreational walks across our rural communities Sligo and Leitrim.

Announcing the funding, Minister Jerry Buttimer said: “2026 marks the final year of the department’s current 5-year strategic partnership with Coillte. Over the last 5 years, funding of over €16m has been provided to support and maintain Coillte’s wonderful recreation forests and amenities around the country. This is in addition to investment in these sites through programmes such as the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

"As well as being used to maintain and develop Coillte’s trail network and recreation amenities, this funding has also supported Coillte’s engagement with local communities and recreation groups right across the country,” Minister Buttimer commented.

"Our investment in 2026 includes €2m to facilitate ongoing maintenance and associated supports at over 200 recreational sites across the country. In addition, €1.1m is being provided to support the development of new recreation amenities and upgrades of existing facilities at 20 sites nationwide,” the minister added.