Edwin McGreal
edwinmcgreal@mayonews.ie
The Rehins Wood Neighbourwood project in Castlebar was officially opened by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny on Sunday last.
The project, located just outside Castlebar off the Newport Road, consists of a series of forest walks on an 81-acre site. It’s a collaborative effort between Coilte and Mayo County Council.
One man who was centrally involved in its development was the late Minister for State for Forestry, Shane McEntee. On Sunday Enda Kenny unveiled a plaque in his memory.
Speaking at the launch, Enda Kenny said the project was a perfect example of the benefits of collaboration.
“This is the result of a combined effort - it shows what people and organisations can do when they work together towards a common goal. The local community, Mayo County Council, Coillte and the NeighbourWood Scheme operated by the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine did great work in creating this wonderful facility,” he said.
Rehins Wood, owned by Coilte, dates back to the 1840s and the project is aimed at increasing ease of use for recreational users. It will also host part of the proposed Westport to Castlebar greenway.
“Coillte’s belief is that the development of the Rehins Wood Neighbourwood Project will bring more users to the area and contribute to wellbeing of the community. This is the type of project we are involved in across the country as we deliver on our commitment to provide places for people to enjoy nature,” said Gerard Murphy, Managing Director of Coilte Forest.
Enda Kenny also reflected on Shane McEntee’s involvement in the project.
“This public woodland amenity will be enjoyed by the local community now and in the future as a beautiful space in which to take exercise or spend some time in simple reflection. Today we think of an absent friend who made such a huge difference to the development of this project and that is the late Shane McEntee who reopened this scheme last July.
“I believe planting a tree here in his memory and the unveiling of a plaque to recognise his contribution is a very fitting tribute to his work as Minister of State for Forestry as well as to the great energy, sincerity and kindness he brought to all who knew him,” said Mr Kenny.
Local Sinn Féin Cllr Therese Ruane, who has strongly campaigned for the development of Rehins Wood, described it as ‘a real gem’.
“Rehins Wood is within two miles of Castlebar and is just 500 metres from the Castlebar lakes. Rehins is absolutely stunning, a beautful and historic place. The support of Coillte for this project has been key to this success and shows their continued commitment to developing woodlands as public amenities. The Rehins Wood project shows what can be achieved when the local authority, the Forestry Service, Coillte, and the local community collaborate and work in partnership together,” she said.
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