Anne Rabbitte (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy Leader for the opportunity to raise Portumna Forest Park, which has been raised previously in the Seanad. There are two elements. When Storm Éowyn landed some months back, it did untold destruction. I compliment the work Coillte did to ensure our paths and trails were open all summer. Although they were open, there is still an awful lot of debris from fallen trees. Those fallen trees need addressing. We need them to be properly taken away and harvested. I have no doubt a lot of other trees on the Coillte sites right across the country need addressing. I am asking that we bring in the Minister with responsibility for Coillte before us, so we could have a conversation or a debate to get an understanding of how prepared our semi-State agencies are for the next storm when it comes. These environments are very precious. We saw the value Coillte provided during the Covid-19 pandemic by providing access to such wonderful amenities. We need to ensure those amenities are protected and safe in the event of storms.

Coillte has plans for Portumna Forest Park, which it recently put before the people of Portumna and the surrounding areas and before us as elected representatives. Unfortunately, some of the proposals that were put to the people in the surrounding areas are unpalatable. The main aspect that is unpalatable relates to tourist residential accommodation in the middle of the park. It might sound ideal. It might seem very nice that a person would be able to hire a little cottage on the banks of the Shannon, trek through the trees and be cut off from the outside world. However, it is not safe. We saw that with Storm Éowyn and the number of felled trees. Moreover, as a local community, we do not feel that is the right environment. Portumna Forest Park is accessed by all the locals. They want to continue to be able to access it. We do not need an erosion of the natural habitat. We would like Coillte to upgrade the toilet services that are there. The toilets in Portumna Forest Park have been closed for the last three years. They have put in an eco-toilet, but it is not accessible to people with additional needs. It is not accessible to people who have bad hips or are of an older age. They are not going to use it. At the same time, we do not have any sheltered areas for picnics. My ask is that we invite the Minister to come before us to give us a concrete plan for recreational development by Coillte across the country.