Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. We must maximise the potential of the natural amenities and attraction that are on our doorstep. The Minister of State alluded to it and we can see what is happening in Ballymahon. The multi-million euro investment by Center Parcs there will create local employment and it has huge potential for counties such as Cavan and Monaghan. That template could be replicated across the State.

I have had the experience of working with local groups and it is important to acknowledge these groups. There are a number of groups in each area of the forest parks that I have cited. The Grand Gardens, for example, is a community group initiative at Kingscourt, County Cavan. The group had a project idea, had done some work with Coillte to develop one of the historical walled gardens and had completed some preparatory work and a lot of ground work to develop the garden as a local amenity in what is already a fabulous park. When it came to further engagement, however, the group could, unfortunately, only get so far with Coillte. When it came to long-term leases, it seemed to meet a brick wall. Coillte must become open to the idea of working with community groups who have so much to offer around voluntary support and work in community areas. The people in the community groups are from the areas and have a natural passion for the amenities and want to see them developed. We should tap into that. It is a missed opportunity for Coillte to not engage with community groups of that sort.

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