Latest Laois News: Big funding splash for Derryounce Lakes amongst Laois outdoor projects
Overflow car park at Glenbarrow, Rosenallis, plus improved accessibility to Slieve Bloom Mountains, and trail development for Derryounce Lakes in Portarlington all to benefit on back of funding announcement
Minister Pippa Hackett added the following statement:
“Investment in outdoor recreation is vital for rural Ireland, both for the people who live here and the tourists who visit. We all need to get out into our forests, mountains, and bogs for the sake of our physical and mental health. Fortunately we are rich in such landscapes in the Midlands and I’m delighted to see €112,518 being spent on developing an overflow car park at Glenbarrow, Rosenallis, improving accessibility to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, and a trail development for Derryounce Lakes in Portarlington being allocated €50,000 in today’s announcement.”
Minister Humphreys announces €15.5 million in funding to develop 84 outdoor adventure projects
- Major investment in our mountain and forest walks, cliffways, beaches, bogs, lakes, rivers, greenways, blueways and bridleways
- Focus on developing adventure tourism activities such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, swimming and cycling
- New strand of funding to support projects at an early stage of delivery
- Funding being rolled out in partnership with Fáilte Ireland
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced €15.5 million in funding for 84 outdoor adventure projects.
The major investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will see the development of 66 natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, swimming and cycling.
For the first time under the scheme, funding is also being provided to progress 18 outdoor recreational projects that are at an early stage of development.
The investment – a key part of Our Rural Future – will support rural economies and make Rural Ireland a more attractive destination for adventure tourism.
The projects chosen for investment include walking and cycling trails, cliffways, beaches, lakes, rivers, bogs, greenways, blueways and bridleways.
Today’s announcement brings the total investment announced this year under the scheme this to almost €35 million.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:
“The 84 projects that we are investing in today will benefit people of all ages and abilities for generations to come.
“This unprecedented investment will also help further our ambition to support our rural economies and make Rural Ireland a destination of choice for adventure tourism.
“Outdoor pursuits have become an even bigger part of all of our lives over the past two years.
“Through this Fund, we are developing and enhancing the fantastic natural amenities in our rural communities so more and more people can access and enjoy them.”
Among the Measure 2 and Measure 3 projects being funded today include:
- Donegal – Sliabh Liag Cliff Experience: Upgrade works on four sections of the existing mountain trail path: €269,682.
- Kerry – Tralee Bay Coastal Greenway: Develop a 2.2km extension from Blennerville Village to Cockleshell Road: €500,000.
- Galway – Portumna Blueway, Wayfinding Sculpture Park: Development of a new multi-use €2.4km leisure route and sculpture trail: €499,585.
- Tipperary – Thurles River Suir Pathway: Provision of an off-road walking/cycling pathway along the River Suir: €210,487.
- Cork – Beara Breifne Way: Extend the Beara bridle way and walking trail from Urhan to Ardgroom village and complete a loop in Teernahillane between Castletownbere and Allihies: €196,490.
- Kilkenny – Woodstock Estate: Upgrade of woodland and garden trails to allow accessibility for all: €189,045.
- Leitrim – Tullaghan Access to the Sea: Creation of a safe pathway access to Leitrim’s 4km coastline: €198,000.
- Longford – Derrycassin Woods Enhancement: Upgrade to 6.5km of trail within the woods: €111,831.
- Roscommon – Destination Ballyleague: Development of a high quality destination amenity on the River Shannon: €200,000.
- Sligo – Muckelty Hill Trail Project: Development of a 1.5km trail providing safe access to summit views, heritage sites and trailhead car parking facilities: €123,750.
- Wicklow: Enhancement of the Greystones to Bray Cliffwalk: €198,000.
- Wexford – Enniscorthy Riverside Trail: Construction of a 600 metre loop around the Urrin River stepped bridge and the resurface of the entire trail: €200,000.