Long wait for Cloonamahon’s native woodland park development as HSE seeks ideas

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The long wait for work to commence at the promised native woodland park in Cloonamahon is no closer to being realised with an update from the HSE revealing they hope to open discussions with Sligo County Council in the coming weeks in relation to the project.

HSE correspondence to the council suggests, “to see how we can work together to ensure the potential of the lands are realised."

The update was provided after the issue was revisited at the November meeting of Sligo County Council when Cllr Thomas Walsh submitted a motion seeking an update in relation to communications received from the HSE and what plans are in place for the two organisations to work collaboratively on the project.

The first sod was turned on the Cloonamahon project by Minister Pippa Hackett in February 2021 with the Cathaoirleach Paul Taylor describing the occasion as, “The first step on the journey of development envisaged for Cloonamahon.

"With further investment, the Cloonamahon complex can be developed to create further opportunities for all citizens to spend time in nature through the creation of spaces to engage in therapeutic, horticultural, respite and recreational activities.”

In his capacity as HSE CEO, Paul Reid spoke enthusiastically about the project saying in 2021, “I am delighted to announce that €300,000 will be available from the Health Services Executive’s 2022 Capital Programme to start the journey of creating further opportunities to engage with nature and horticultural activities. This capital budget is being made available as a one off contribution from the income of sale of lands to the National Roads Authority for the N4 realignment.

"It will support the capital costs associated with the upgrade of the old farmyard and orchard to create a sensory garden and horticulture area, for use initially by disability and mental health day services.”

Following a request for an update on the project by Cllr Thomas Walsh this week, the HSE confirmed they are “still in the process of reviewing the long term strategy and needs for the Cloonamahon campus recognising the need to align with national policy and guidance in relation to disability services.”

"Over the last two years we have been prioritising de-congregration of the campus which is line with HSE national policy. The movement of the last remaining residents from the Cloonamahon campus should hopefully be completed in 2026.

"There are also a number of HSE facilities located at Cloonamahon campus which will be considered as part of the long term plans. These include disability day services, office accommodation, food preparation for community dwellings and maintenance care.

"As part of reviewing the HSE long term strategy we would welcome discussions with the local authority in relation to the 105 acre Cloonamahon native woodland park. We intend to reach out to the local authority in the coming weeks to see how we can work together to ensure the potential of the lands are realised.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.