June date for storm-hit Lough Hyne wood to open

A SPOKESPERSON for Coillte has set the June Bank Holiday weekend as the likely date for the reopening of the famous woodland walk at Lough Hyne.

Louise O’Reilly, the estates forester with Coillte, confirmed that the organisation had met with representatives from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and together they are confident that the pathway to the summit of Knockomagh Hill will be open by the summer.

Knockomagh Wood and the Lough Hyne Marine Reserve is a popular destination for walking and water sports enthusiasts, but the damage caused by Storm Ophelia last October meant that both the southern and northern walks through the wood had to be closed for health and safety reasons.

Last week, Declan O’Donnell, the district manager for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, confirmed that they were still two men working with chainsaws to clear the path.

However, Coillte, as the owner of the upper part of the path leading to the summit, is responsible for the final phase of the work, and said that should be completed by June.