Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced funding of €4.1 million to develop and enhance 151 outdoor recreation projects under the 'Our Rural Future' initiative.

The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be aimed at enhancing mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches in various parts of the country.

It is also envisaged that the funding will provide a boost to local economies by attracting more visitors to rural communities.

Up to €30,000 will be invested in each project under the funding announced today (Thursday, March 28), with a focus being placed on small scale enhancements, upgrades and repairs.

This funding will be invested in 151 outdoor recreation projects, bringing the total number of projects funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, since its establishment in 2017, to almost 1,600 nationwide.

The projects that will receive this latest funding must be delivered by September 2025. Further announcements relating to funding provided under the ORIS are scheduled to be made in the coming weeks, the Department of Rural and Community Development said.

The funding announced today is separate, and in addition, to the €2.3 million which was announced in November 2023 for 50 projects under the project development measure of ORIS.

Some of the projects that will receive the highest funding under today's announcement include:

Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscrai, Co. Cork - development of new 2.2km section of Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscraí (€26,880);
Traught Beach Accessibility Upgrade, Co. Galway - upgrade accessibility to Traught Beach (€29,700);
Ballybunion beach access, Co. Kerry - maintenance and repair works at Ballybunion South Blue Flag Beach (€30,000);
Derryounce Lakes & Trails trail upgrade, Co. Laois - upgrade works at Derryounce Lakes & Trails paths (€30,000);
Outdoor Sensory Space, Lough Muckno Park, Co. Monaghan - development of an outdoor sensory space adjacent to the existing playpark in Lough Muckno Park (€30,000);
Kilkee Cliff Walk, Co. Clare - Improvement works to Kilkee Cliff Walk (€27,000);
Castleconnell Village steps, Co. Limerick - installation of steps to provide safe access into the Shannon (€30,000);
Lusmagh Heritage Bog Walk, Co. Offaly - enhancement works at Lusmagh Heritage Bog Walk (€26,460).

Commenting on the funding, Minister Humphreys said: "The investment I'm announcing today will greatly enhance the natural amenities right on our doorstep, from our walkways, mountain trails, and forest walks, to our cycleways, beaches and rivers.

"I believe the projects receiving funding today will play an important role in attracting more visitors to our rural towns and villages," she added.

"The health benefits from engaging in outdoor activity combined with the economic and social benefits that can be achieved by this investment for rural Ireland, will no doubt serve us well in to the future," the minister said.