Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced over €6 million for 14 large-scale projects under Measure 3 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Today’s (Monday, March 22) funding will benefit 14 projects with investments of up to €500,000 each.
This is in addition to the €9.7 million approved for 212 small and medium projects earlier this year, and is being funded in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
- Co. Roscommon: Investment in the Mote Forest Park Outdoor Recreation Trail Experience and cycle link to Beara-Breifne Way;
- Co. Carlow: Connecting the Wicklow Way with the South Leinster Way;
- Co. Monaghan: Significant enhancements of Hollywood Forest Park, which include the provision of a quality freshwater bathing site;
- Co. Donegal: Letterkenny to Burtonport Greenway – the Muckish Railway Walk enhancement.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said that since 2016, the department has supported almost 1,000 projects under this scheme.
Spin-off for rural communities
“I know how important our outdoor amenities have been to everyone during Covid-19,” the minister added.
“These projects will support the development and expansion of significant outdoor amenities and trails throughout the country which will benefit local communities and visitors alike.
The investment will also have major spin-off economic benefits for our rural communities.
“Today’s allocation brings the total investment under the scheme since the start of this year to €15.7 million, with 226 projects being funded.
“This investment is making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building upon the economic and tourism potential of rural areas.
“All counties that applied for funding have benefited from investment under the scheme this year, across the three funding announcements which I have made since January.”