Michael D opens Silaire wood

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Michael D Higgins officially opened the new boardwalk in Silaire Wood on the banks of the river Barrow outside Graignamanagh.

Mr Higgins was in the town attending the town of books fair where he was one of the key note speakers. He took time out from promoting his latest book, “New and Selected Poems”. He was joined by local TD Ann Phelan for the opening of the wood.

The first phase of the development of the wood has seen the construction of an 800m board walk along the river bank. The board walk follows the contours of the river Barrow as it winds through the wood. Other amenities that have been developed include, a looped walk with picnic and seating areas, signage and an upgraded car-park has also been completed. The new amenity will provide nature lovers with a year-round amenity to enjoy the beauty of a mature wood. Silaire Wood dates back to at least 1313 when Sir Willian Birmingham took up his residence in the woods. The wood has many interesting features such as the ancient round stone wheel found in the lower woods close to the river

The second phase of the development will focus in on the regeneration of the wildlife Silaire wood