A cherished natural resource

Portumna Forest Park, a cherished natural resource with a history dating back to the Clanricarde Estate, lies at the heart of community life in East Galway and beyond.

The Protect Portumna Forest Park community group’s recent survey, presented on November 26, has unveiled a wealth of insights into what makes this forest park so special, and what improvements are most urgently needed.

With an impressive 1,095 respondents, this survey stands out as one of the most comprehensive community engagements to date. Nearly 70% of respondents were aged 36-65, and 76.4% lived within 20 kilometres of the park, highlighting its significance to locals.

Its appeal, however, extends far beyond, with responses also coming from visitors living over 50 kilometres away.

Importantly, over 51 local community groups across East Galway, North Tipperary, and East Clare played a vital role in sharing the survey, ensuring a genuine grassroots voice shaped its findings.

What Makes Portumna Forest Park Special?

The survey results confirm the park’s enduring allure:

- Walking remains the top activity for 97% of respondents.

- Wellbeing and mindfulness attract 46%.

- Socialising comes in third at 38%.

responses reflect the park’s serene and scenic qualities:

- 91% cited the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.

- 80% appreciated the selection of walking and cycling trails.

- A tie for third place (71%) goes to connecting with nature and lake views.

Key Improvements Needed

The data also provides a clear roadmap for enhancing the visitor experience. Across all demographics, the top improvement requested was upgraded and improved toilet facilities - a priority supported by every age group and those living over 50 kilometres away. Other key asks include:

- Expansion of wildlife habitats to promote biodiversity.

- More benches or seating areas along the trails.

- For the under 25, 26-50, and 51 plus age groups alike, toilet facilities ranked as the number one need, underscoring its universal importance.

A Community-Driven Vision

The Protect Portumna Forest Park community group formed in response to Coillte’s 2023 Master Plan, which raised concerns about the future direction of the park. Since then, the group has worked tirelessly to ensure that the community’s voice is front and centre in shaping the park’s future. The survey’s comprehensive data underscores the community’s strong connection to the park and their hopes for thoughtful, minimal development that respects the park’s unique character.

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

Respondents overwhelmingly support small, practical improvements within the forest while opposing large-scale commercialisation or disruptive changes. There is a shared vision for sustainable tourism that maintains the simplicity and accessibility of this treasured natural space. The survey also highlighted opportunities to better connect the town of Portumna with the forest, enabling visitors to access a wider range of services, heritage sites and enterprises within a 10-minute walk of the main forest gate.

Respondents suggested several improvements outside the forest itself, including a footpath from the castle gate to the marina and investment in the town's infrastructure to support tourism. A recurring theme was the revitalisation of local amenities, such as the derelict Shannon Oaks Hotel, rather than building accommodations within the forest. This reflects a desire to balance development with conservation.

The Protect Portumna Forest Park community group is now calling on Coillte, along with project partners Fáilte Ireland and Galway County Council, as well as local political representatives, to engage transparently with the survey findings and prioritise the needs of the community.

Get Involved!

Protect Portumna Forest Park community group encourages everyone to join the conversation, spread the word, and support the campaign for a sustainable and inclusive future for this invaluable community resource. For more information, follow the Protect Portumna Forest Park group on Facebook, email protectportumnaforestpark@gmail.com or consider contributing to their fundraising efforts to ensure their important work continues.