The Dublin Mountains Partnership (DMP) (31st October, 2010) launched the Dublin Mountains Way, a new 43km trail across the Dublin mountains from Shankill in the east to Tallaght in the west. This is one of the flagship projects of the DMP.
It is a captivating walk with stunning vistas of Dublin city below, a variety of terrain from forest, open mountain, lakes to parkland and a wealth of heritage from megalithic tombs to the engineering wonder of the Bohernabreena reservoir.
Through the close cooperation of the partners and in addition, over 300 different volunteers, the route was developed and waymarked and new sections were constructed. The Dublin Mountains Way has been an objective in county development plans for over twenty years, and with the formation of the DMP has now been delivered.
The DMP in cooperation with East West Mapping have also published a map of the Dublin Mountains highlighting the public lands that are available for recreation use, access points, car parks and the various outdoor facilities such as orienteering courses, mountain biking trails, and historical features.
The launch took place at Tiknock Forest and was attended by all the Dublin Mountains Partners. The Dublin Mountains Partnership is a partnership of different organisations with the vision of managing recreation on the public lands in the Dublin Mountains and is made up of Coillte, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Dublin Mountains Initiative.
At the event David Gunning, CEO, Coillte said : The proximity of the Dublin Mountains delivers a wonderful amenity for people of all ages. The Dublin Mountains Way provides a challenging long distance hike for the serious walker, and lovely, shorter, day walks for families and casual walkers. This initiative shows what can be achieved when organisations with different mandates work together on a common purpose. All the partners must be complimented on their vision in coming together and delivering this important infrastructure in an innovative way despite the difficult economic situation.
At the event Cllr Lettie McCarthy, Cathaoirleach for DLRCoCo said “I am delighted that the Dublin Mountains is being developed in this way, creating wonderful recreational facilities for the people of the Dublin area and beyond. It’s an example of the benefits that come from co-operation and partnership among the various organisations and community. I would encourage everyone to come out and start walking!”
On behalf of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Eamon Tuffy, Chairman of the Lucan Clondalkin Area Committee and the South Dublin County Council Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee said I welcome the establishment of the Dublin Mountains Way. South Dublin County Council is delighted to be involved as part of the Dublin Mountains Partnership in bringing forward this project. This walking route provides a long awaited amenity enabling sustainable access to the Dublin Mountains, the countys prime natural asset.
Dublins Lord Mayor Gerry Breen said the opening of the Dublin Mountains Way, with its 43 km of walking trails and easy access by public transport, provides an ideal opportunity for everyone to get out into the mountains to enjoy healthy leisure activities at virtually no cost. The completion of the trail shows what can be achieved when diverse groups of people agree to work together in partnership to reach a common goal.
ENDS
For further information:
Karen Woods, Recreation Manager, Dublin Mountains Partnership, karen.woods@coillte.ie ; 01-2011187 or 087-0507022 or www.dublinmountains.ie
or
Gráinne Hogan, Public Relations Executive, Coillte grainne.hogan@coillte.ie; 01-2011178 or 086-8213147
About the Dublin Mountain Partnership
The Dublin Mountains Partnership or DMP was set up in May 2008 with the ultimate aim of improving the recreational experience for users of the Dublin Mountains, whilst recognising the objectives and constraints of the various landowners. The partner organisations involved are Coillte, South Dublin County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dublin City Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin City Council and the Dublin Mountains Initiative, an umbrella group representing the recreation users of the Dublin Mountains.
For more see www.dublinmountains.ie
