Locals are being invited to share their views on Coillte’s plans to upgrade Portumna Forest Park with the public consultation period being extended.
Coillte started early public consultation on its draft vision for the potential enhancement of Portumna Forest Park at a public meeting with Galway County Council in October.
Given the level of feedback received to date, Coillte has extended its public consultation to 21 November to allow the local community more time to share their views.
Coillte believes that Portumna Forest Park has transformative tourism and recreational potential.
They believe this transformation could be achieved by the implementation of a Portumna Forest Park masterplan to create a more comprehensive, rewarding and enjoyable experience to be enjoyed by both the local community and wider tourism.
Sakinah Brennan, ESG Director at Coillte, said that the public engagement meeting at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna was extremely positive, with over 300 people in attendance.
“It is important to stress that the vision for Portumna Forest Park is at a very early stage and there will be more opportunities throughout the process for people to give their views,” said Sakinah.
“We recognise that we need to give sufficient time for people to share their views which is why we’ve extended the public consultation period.
“The next step will be for us to collate all of the feedback shared and develop a masterplan document that articulates a potential approach for the enhancement of Portumna Forest Park and we’ll be seeking further feedback on this plan.
“Following this, the proposal will be put forward for the statutory planning process which will give further opportunity for the local community to contribute.”
Feedback received through this public consultation will be considered as part of the process, and Coillte will be back with further iteration of the masterplan document for further consultation and feedback.
Further information on Coillte’s vision for Portumna Forest Park is available at www.portumnaforestpark.com
