The Chairman of Coillte, Mr. Brendan McKenna presented the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Ms. Mary Coughlan, T.D. with a copy of Coillte's new Recreation Policy at Drumboe Woods, Ballybofey, during a visit by the Board of Coillte to Donegal on Friday 30th September last.

Speaking at the presentation, Mr. McKenna said, "The objective of Coillte's Recreation Policy is to deliver worthwhile recreation experiences to all users, while managing our estate to deliver economic, environmental and social benefits".

Coillte wishes to encourages greater public use of its 1.1 million acres of forest land. Present day forest recreation users are more active and environmentally aware than those a generation ago. New and increasing demands are being made on the forest for recreation including new uses e.g. mountain biking and horse riding.

In 2003, Coillte initiated a review of its policy on recreation to meet the changing needs of modern Irish society. This review was completed in 2005 and a new policy adopted and Coillte was very pleased to present the Minister with the first copy in Donegal, Mr. McKenna added.

The Minister said she was very pleased that Coillte had adopted a new policy that would encourage greater public use of the forest. "I am delighted that Coillte has chosen to launch its policy in Drumboe Woods. This wood has a very special place in the heart of Donegal people and, given how widely used it is by the public, it is a very appropriate place for Coillte to announce significant enhancements to its recreation policy."

The Minister also said she was very pleased that Coillte has identified Drumboe Woods as an area where facilities will be improved in the coming year as part of a project supported by Failte Ireland to improve forest recreation facilities. Plans for Drumboe include provision of car parks, upgrading walks, p roviding a barbeque stand and picnic furniture, upgrading signage and waymarking.

Recreational use of Coillte's forests makes a significant contribution to national well being and social capital. Forests also contribute to Ireland's tourism industry by providing an extensive network of recreational facilities. The process to review Coillte's Recreation Policy, which took almost two years to complete, was undertaken by a Review Group representative of Coillte, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Countryside Access and Activities Network ( Northern Ireland) and the Forestry Department of UCD. The group consulted hundreds of organisations here in Ireland and received extensive input to the policy . The Group also undertook research abroad to establish best practice in managing forests for recreation purposes.

Ms. Cliodhna Parker, Media and Public Relations Manager, Tel: 01-2011143, Mobile: 086-2236493

Mr. Bill Murphy, Recreation Manager, Tel: 01-2011135, Mobile: 086-2591518.