Minister Humphreys and Fáilte Ireland announce €3.2 million in funding for outdoor recreational amenities
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on 18 January 2021
- 173 projects across the country to benefit under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
- Funding to develop country’s trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways
- Minister Humphreys secures 20% increase in funding for outdoor projects compared to 2020
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., today (Monday, January 18th) announced almost €3.2 million in funding for 173 projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The scheme provides funding for the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways, and blueways.
The funding announced today, under Measure 1 of the Scheme, will support small-scale local projects with funding of up to €20,000 each.
It is being announced in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, who are co-funding the projects with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Further announcements in respect of medium and large scale projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with funding of up to €200,000 and €500,000 respectively for each project, will be made at a later stage.
Examples of the projects awarded funding today include:
- Co. Donegal – Bealacht na Gaeltachta Trail enhancement: €20,000
- Co. Monaghan – Investment in the Ulster Canal Greenway: €20,000
- Co. Kerry – Development of a public amenity space at the Tralee Bay Coastal Walkway / Cycleway: €20,000
- Co. Tipperary – Improvement works at the trail of the Rock of Cashel site: €19,800
- Co. Roscommon – Enhancement of the cycleway from Boyle to Lough Key: €20,000
- Co. Sligo – Coolaney River walk upgrade: €16,650
- Co. Cork – Redevelopment of walks along with improving disability access and the development of a sensory path at Island Wood, Newmarket: €20,000
- Co Mayo – Development of a bog walk in Clogher: €19,800
- Co. Wicklow – Trail enhancement and development of the Avondale Link: €18,297
- Co. Offaly – Killaun Bog Boardwalk upgrade: €20,000
- Co. Westmeath – Old Rail Trail Greenway enhancement: €20,000
- Co. Waterford – Mount Melleray Monastery Walks upgrade: €18,824
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:
“The last year has demonstrated more than ever the importance of outdoor amenities for our physical and mental wellbeing.
There has been a notable increase in the number of people using our walking trails, cycleways, parks and other resources to exercise and keep fit, while respecting the guidelines on social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis.
