Two projects in Tipperary are included in a Government announcement of €3M in funding to develop and upgrade visitor and recreational amenities at Coillte Forest Parks across Ireland.
Glengara Woods near Dundrum is allocated €12,000 for a new footbridge for walking trail users while Marl Bog is allocated €40,000 for car park improvements. The Marl Bog, or the ‘Duck Pond’ as it is known locally, once formed part of the greater Dundrum Demesne belonging to the Viscount Hawarden who would have owned nearby Dundrum House. It is situated 12 km north of Tipperary town. The man-made duck pond, that is one of the main features of the site, used to feed water across the main public road into a holding pond that turned the mill wheel of the original Dundrum Saw Mills. Today the pond is the home of many water birds and insect life and interesting plant species.
Glengara Woods, located approximately 14 km south of Cahir offers two looped walks on a trail or via the woodlands beside the Burncourt river. The Lodge at the top of the trail head is frequently used to host talks, markets and yoga classes.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, says the investment is part of a strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte to maintain and manage existing trails in Coillte forests, and to develop new recreation opportunities.
