Coillte and Clonaslee Community Development Association joined forces in a formal partnership for the development of Brittas Lake, for tourism and angling purposes. The lake in question is situated 1.5 miles from Clonaslee village in county Laois at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

A 20-year lease was put in place in June 2000 which has allowed the local community to develop the lake into a tourism and angling facility. Since then, the lake and its surroundings have been transformed. At the site entrance, an information sign has been erected and a landscaped car park has been developed. A gravelled walkway has also been created around lake and benches and picnic tables are now situated at various locations. Along with a row of Scots pine which has been left as a backdrop on the lake, Coillte has planted broadleaves in an effort to provide shade.. Up to 10 fishing stands have also been erected.

The project is 75% funded by the Tourism Angling Measure of the EU Operation Programme for Tourism 1994 to 1999, and 25% funded by the Clonaslee Development Association. Coillte has donated both time and materials to the group to help them achieve their objectives in the project.

Brittas Lake is now a wonderful local amenity and is used extensively by the local community and visitors to Clonaslee. Coillte is delighted to be associated with this development.