Forestry board promotes new cycling trails

Cycling trails are to be provided by the forestry board Coillte as part of the development of recreational facilities in States forests.

The development of the cycling trails, which range from a 14km trail near Roundwood, in Co Wicklow, to more than 80kms of dedicated mountain bike trails in the Ballyhoura Mountains in counties Cork and Kerry, was advertised this week on the Government's e-tendering website.

The advertisement sought contractors to build an initial five cycleways at Ballyhoura, Roundwood, Oughterard and Portumna in Co Galway, and at Curraghchase Forest Park, in Co Limerick.

Tenders will begin next month and most trails will be in place by next summer. The initiative is being developed in association with Fáilte Ireland, which is hoping to capitalise on the tourism spin-off from the developments.

Coillte's recreation manager, Brian Murray, said the trails were part of a broader policy to encourage greater recreational use of State forests.

Coillte developed its policy after visiting Scotland and Wales, where the development of such outdoor activity centres is well advanced.

The Coillte policy will see the development and enhancement over coming years of what Coillte says is "world-class" facilities for cycling, boating, camping, walking as well as archaeological and architectural interests.

Walking trails are also to be developed with colour-coded marked ways along the 8,000 kilometres of forest roads and paths.

A website detailing the various walks is due to be launched next spring.

Mr Murray said the total direct economic impact of trail usage by Irish residents is €307 million, while foreign walkers add a further €138 million.