Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their forest estate and land transactions, are the responsibility of the company.

Killykeen Forest Park is located on the shores of Lough Oughter and consists of approximately 240 ha. Coillte advises that the company has no major investment plans for Killykeen Forest Park but that it is currently working with Cavan County Council to examine the way in which public recreation facilities at the park may be improved and if this may involve engaging a service provider, for example, in bicycle hire, canoe hire, etc. Coillte advises that the company is also developing a longer term management plan for the recreation facilities at this park.

Killykeen holiday village is located in Killykeen Forest Park.  The holiday village, which has 28 log cabins for guests, is located on nearly 74 acres with 1.7 km of shoreline to Lough Oughter and forms part of the larger 240 ha forest park. It was placed on the market in June 2016 by Coillte.

In the context of the sale of the holiday village within Killykeen Forest Park, I am advised by Coillte that it remains on the market. As I have previously indicated, Coillte was established as a private commercial company. The sale of the holiday village is, therefore, an operational matter for Coillte and details of any offers made are confidential.

As part of its management of some 442,000 ha of the national forest estate, I note that Coillte has more than 3,000 km of trails, 260 recreation sites and 12 forest parks across the State. Coillte forests provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public, continuing a long tradition of open access to State-owned lands. I understand that the general public greatly values these forest recreational facilities and I am pleased to note that Coillte is actively engaging with Cavan County Council with a view to improving the public recreation facilities in Killykeen Forest Park in the short-term. I understand that there are currently four signposted walks and a family cycle trail in the forest park. I am also conscious that such recreational facilities are also very valuable resources as tourism attractions in the various regions. I apologise for going over time.

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