OUTDOOR RECREATION BECOMES MAJOR DRIVER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN CO MONAGHAN

PETER HUGHES

The launch of a new strategy by Monaghan Co Council, and the official opening by Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD of three major improvement projects at amenities across the county, have promoted the provision of high quality outdoor recreation facilities to the status of a major driver of Monaghan’s social and community development. The Co Council adopted its new five-year Outdoor Recreation Plan for the county at its April meeting, two days before Minister Calleary cut the ribbons on significant enhancement projects carried out at Hollywood Lake, Rossmore Forest Park and Dartrey Forest, occasions reported in full inside this week’s edition of the Northern Standard. Presenting the plan to the meeting, the county’s Tourism Development Officer Dympna Condra highlighted the significant tourism development opportunities offered by the implementation of the master plan currently being prepared for Lough Muckno in Castleblayney; further enhancements planned at Rossmore Forest Park; the plans for the Sliabh Beagh area and the lands at the St Louis Convent grounds recently acquired by the local authority, the potential for increased visitor numbers possessed by the Clones Marina and the next phase of development of the Ulster Canal and its attendant…