Vandalism at Ballyhoura trail for a second time
Recent acts of vandalism at the Ballyhoura Nature Trail near Ardpatrick has left local groups dismayed at the destruction of signage there.
19 displays showing native wildlife facts and pictures designed for families were placed all along the trail route in 2020. At the end of March this year, in what is the second incident of this type, over half of the new signage boards were intentionally vandalised and destroyed.
Ballyhoura Development CLG, Ballyhoura Heritage and Environment, and Coillte are all deeply dismayed at the acts of vandalism. The trail, which runs alongside the popular mountain bike trails, is a short 2km looped woodland walk that skirts the Ballyhoura hillsides from the Coillte trailhead car park near Ardpatrick.
John Kennedy, the chair of Ballyhoura Heritage and Environment, asked for people to contact Gardaí in Doneraile or Kilmallock if they notice anything suspicious, and that trailhead CCTV footage will be monitored in an effort to prevent further vandalism.
The Mountain Bike Trails and walks have seen millions of funding invested in the last number of years, with ongoing improvement works to the trails. The area has attracted thousands of people from near and far, bringing much economic benefit to the region. The trail centre has hosted national and international events and continues to be a muchused facility.
The Ballyhoura region has gained widespread recognition as an outdoor tourism destination, with 21 looped walks, mountain bike trails, Doneraile Court and wildlife park, Griston Bog outdoor classroom in Ballylanders, garden experiences, and the newly opened Annes Grove gardens in Castletownroche, to name but a few.