Galway Wind Park team steps up to get walking trail extension underway in Oughterard

Joint Galway Wind Park developers, SSE and Coillte, along with the principal contractor for the project Roadbridge, and other local sponsors, are all supporting an extension of the popular walking and cycling trails at Corribdale Park in Oughterard. The project, which will add a further kilometre of trails to the popular local park, started on June 22nd and is due to be completed by early July.  The sponsorship investment will also cover the installation of ducting for street lights along the extended paths.

Corribdale Grounds Committee has secured the sponsorship for this Phase III extension from SSE, Coillte, Roadbridge, and local businesses Killola Quarries and Seamus McDonagh Plant Hire.

Speaking at the launch of the construction phase, Project Co-ordinator Sinead Grimes explained: “The trails at Oughterard have been an unprecedented success since their initial launch in summer 2015. We are absolutely delighted to have secured the funding for this development and are very grateful to all concerned for their involvement. The project would not have been completed without this significant investment and there was a genuine concern that the opportunity to develop such a fantastic facility would be lost due to lack of funding.

“This development is a great example of what can be achieved when groups work together. The outcome of this successful partnership will be a valuable asset both as a tourism product and as a recreational resource for the local population. With visitor numbers already on the increase in Oughterard, this Phase III development at Corribdale is set to raise the bar even further.”

Over the last two years, thousands have enjoyed the family-friendly trails and play areas at Oughterard. The Phase II development, which was part funded by grants secured from FORUM Connemara, the Sports Capital Programme and SSE, brought a range of adult fitness equipment, as well as a Teen Zone for older children, to the park.

Phase III sees the addition of further wheelchair-friendly trails, which will complete a circuit around the GAA pitch in the village, as well as some more rustic paths around the wooded areas.

SSE's John O’Sullivan commented: “On behalf of the Galway Wind Park team of SSE and Coillte, we’re proud to be involved in realising this fantastic project at Corribdale Park, along with the other local sponsors. This extension will put Corribdale Park among the best purpose-made walking trail facilities in the West of Ireland, and will bring benefits to the local community and wider area for generations to come.”

Corribdale Grounds Committee Chairperson Thomas Welby said: "We're delighted with the generous sponsorship for the trails extension. The local people are very much behind the project and we are very thankful for the support of the local business community over the years. Oughterard has a fantastic community spirit and with the wonderful local attractions, walks and restaurants as well as the new park facilities it is such an attractive place to visit and live.”

For more information on the park, see Corribdale Park Oughterard on Facebook or visit wwww.discoveroughterard.com