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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Castlefreke tourism and Coillte lands

Summary

Deputy Collins highlighted Castlefreke’s tourism work in west Cork and warned that nearby Coillte lands may be sold. The Taoiseach said he did not have the details to hand and would seek an update from a Minister of State.

The programme for Government, when dealing with tourism, on page 47 states: "We will work towards achieving the ambitious tourism policy goals set for 2025." In a beautiful area of west Cork, Castlefreke, near Rosscarbery, there is a vibrant community that has promoted tourism for many years. As the Taoiseach is probably aware, the community has been a top award winner in the national Tidy Towns competition and it promotes the area in many ways, including by providing stunning walkways through local Coillte lands. Now, however, the community has become aware that these lands may be offered for sale to a private individual, which would put public access to these walks at risk. I might add that the area has attracted walkers from all over the globe. It may also affect access to a local graveyard where locals have been buried for hundreds of years. Fáilte Ireland, Cork County Council, Leader and the EPA have funded grants for these walks down through the years. Tomorrow night the public of Castlefreke, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery and surrounding areas will hold a public meeting to save these walks. I call on the Taoiseach to request that Coillte keeps Castlefreke woods in public ownership.

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I am afraid I do not have information to hand on that matter but I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, to provide an update to the Deputy by correspondence.

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