The aim is to make the most of outdoor spaces so that recreational activities can take place safely.
The Government has announced the launch of a new €15 million fund with the aim to enhance outdoor spaces to help ensure Ireland has a “safe outdoor summer”.
In a statement released on Monday, the Government said the Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund will support local authorities in enhancing outdoor urban space and improving walking and cycling infrastructure.
This is to assist in the safe outdoor re-opening of society as Ireland emerges from Covid-19 restrictions.
Local authorities are invited to apply for funding for short-term measures that will help create safe outdoor urban spaces for the public.
The Government has said the measures will need to be “quickly implemented” and provide areas in villages, towns, and cities where people can walk, cycle and gather outdoors while practicing social distancing.
Examples of projects eligible for the funding include:
- Street pedestrianisation measures
- Reallocation of road and street space, using footpath extensions, bollards, public seating etc
- Traffic management arrangements
A letter has been issued to all local authorities with information on how to apply to the fund.
Allocations will be announced in the coming weeks.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said: “While we continue our efforts with social distancing, we also need to provide ways for people to meet, exercise and access local amenities in a safe way, so we can all have a good summer.
“Through a combination of government initiatives, local authorities will now have the resources required to help reimagine our cities, towns and villages so that they can prioritise outdoor living in the summer months.
“We want to facilitate local businesses and the public in making the most of our outdoor spaces so that recreational activities can be safe and enjoyed by all.”
The fund will complement other Government initiatives such as Fáilte Ireland’s €17 million Outdoor Dining Enhancement Investment Scheme.
For more information about the new fund, see here.
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