Minister hails potential of planned adventure park

A major new adventure park planned for Co Roscommon could attract thousands of visitors into the region each year, the tourism minister said today.

John O’Donoghue said the renovation plans for the Lough Key Forest Park received €5.6m in grants.

It was the first major attraction in the Border, Midlands and Western Region to get aid under the tourism product development scheme.

Mr O’Donoghue said: “The promoters of the new development, a joint venture between Roscommon County Council and Coillte Teorante, expect that visitor numbers will increase to 121,000 over the first five years of operation.”

Fáilte Ireland said it was part of its strategy to develop more tourism attractions and products in regions around the country.

“The project has been designed to be of appeal in all weather conditions throughout the year, greatly enhancing tourism business opportunities for the area in the off-peak months,” the tourism minister said.

The 600-acre forest park opened to visitors in 1971 and over 70,000 tourists and local residents visit each year.

The new adventure scheme will include tunnels, a maze and tree canopy walk, an adventure house with a series of physical and mental challenges and an enclosed play area.

The tourism product development scheme, which is run by Failte Ireland, is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Some €25m has been granted to projects around the country under the scheme, with the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre in Co Clare receiving a €10m development grant last month.