Lough Key development
Senator Scahill welcomed a green light for Coillte’s Lough Key Forest Park redevelopment and highlighted the community and tourism benefits.
I, too, would like to be associated with the good wishes to Senators Ahearn and Cathal Byrne on their appointments. When the announcement was made, I was wondering did they get the right Gareth in the first place, but there were 17 good candidates in the race and a good decision has been made. We are in good hands for the remainder of the term.
I also welcome the planning green light for Coillte's development in Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle. It was just announced this morning. There will be redevelopment and upgrading of the visitor centre, a new activity hub, enhanced outdoor attractions and a new aqua park. I recently spent a day with the Minister for tourism, Deputy Burke, in Roscommon and we visited Strokestown House and gardens, the Arigna Mining Experience, the John McGahern Barracks in Cootehall and finished off the day in the forest park to attend the Night and Day Festival. If anyone in the Chamber or watching has not visited Roscommon in the last 12 months, they have not visited Roscommon, and there is an awful lot more to see at this time of year. I mention Clonalis House in my home town, the Suck Valley Way for those who want to go outdoors, and Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, which the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, recently visited with me. There is an awful lot happening. Government is backing these initiatives. It is looking at which parts of the country we can do an awful lot for regarding attractions and tourism. I welcome that and give out a call in my last few seconds to visit Roscommon-----