Coillte withdraws from Portumna Forest Park development after local opposition

COILLTE have announced that they will not proceed with their proposed development plan for Portumna Forest Park, which would have included the construction of 40 new buildings.
Locals are saying that the semi-state company should focus instead on general maintenance as well as damage repair following the impact of Storm Éowyn.
There was a significant amount of local opposition, spearheaded by the “Protect Portumna Forest Park” group, to Coillte's proposed development (as outlined in the semi-state company's masterplan). This group expressed a number of the community's concerns in relation to the project and undertook community engagement in relation to the future of the park.
The group carried out a community survey which showed strong support for improved toilet facilities, signage, seating and other improvements while also protecting and enhancing the park’s natural and recreational value.
Speaking to The Midland Tribune last week, Senator Anne Rabbitte said she was appealing to Coillte to not completely walk away from the project but proceed with those aspects of it which the public are in agreement with, such as improved toilet facilities, signage, seating, etc.
“I was speaking to someone in Coillte today and he said they might review the masterplan in a couple of years time. I don't think that is the attitude we need. I think Coillte should review it now and continue with some of the modest improvements proposed in their masterplan. The modest improvements being called for by the community can and should go ahead.” She urged Coillte to re-engage with the local community to create these modest improvements “for all who visit this wonderful local amenity.”
Protect Portumna Forest Park said many people in the community didn't want 40 new buildings (which would be holiday lodges) in the Forest Park which would need sewage, water and other services. “Habitats need to be protected,” the group said. “The forest is an oasis of tranquillity for locals and all who visit Portumna, a wilderness that is essential for fostering good mental health, a place where families can come to, to relax and immerse themselves in nature.”
Galway East TD Louis O' Hara also called upon Coillte to re-engage with the local community on the future of the Forest Park. He said the modest improvements wanted by locals should still go ahead.
The masterplan for the Coillte project was unveiled in 2023 but quickly proved controversial, with some locals claiming there was a glaring lack of engagement.
The plan said the project would serve as a catalyst for transforming Portumna from a day-only tourism destination into an “outstanding forest and lakeside destination.”
The plan envisaged “a fresh suite of contemporary, outdoor-orientated facilities and activities to be enjoyed, year-round, by all age groups; managed and improved vehicular access/parking, including a new small carpark on the western boundary; a shuttle linking through the park and its lakeside amenities to the town centre, with a possible extension to the Workhouse Centre; a selection of thematic walking or movement experiences through the most distinctive parts of the site; consistent with the Portumna Public Realm Enhancement Scheme, an improved access point on the fringe of Portumna would be created which would improve connectivity between the Town Centre, Portumna Castle and the Forest Park.”
Protect Portumna Forest Park called the development “inappropriate.” It said over a thousand people took part in its community survey which showed that what people want are: upgraded toilet facilities; an expansion of wildlife habitats; more seating, rest areas along trails. It was clear from the survey that the public did not want tourist accommodation inside the forest park. People said the derelict Shannon Oaks Hotel site should be used instead for the creation of tourist accommodation “as its boundary backs onto the forest park.”
Protect Portumna Forest Park said its aim was to “protect the forest, protect our voice, and protect our future.”
Senator Rabbitte said there is much modest but good work which Coillte can do in the immediate future. “There's upgrading work needed on the walks in the Park,” she remarked. “There used to be a wonderful viewing point down by the lake that I loved as a child but which has been blocked for years. They could unblock it. The toilet facilities need to be made wheelchair accessible. An upgrade is needed to the sheltered area where people like to picnic. There are still an awful lot of fallen trees remaining after Storm Éowyn, and they should be cleared.”
Senator Rabbitte praised the Coillte Forestry Manager of the Park, Declan Garvey. “Declan is an excellent manager who is working as best he can with a limited budget. He looks after the general upkeep of the Park, including the upkeep of the trails.” The Park's budget is €20,000 per year. Senator Rabbitte said this is not enough.

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