Almost €6 million has been allocated by the Government to develop the projects.
The Government has announced funding of almost €6 million to develop 200 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland.
Allocated under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), the Government has said the investment will be key to enhancing the country's outdoor amenities.
These include walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.
The Government has also stated the funding will also provide a major boost to local economies by attracting visitors to Ireland and furthering its reputation as a destination for adventure tourism.
Announced by Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys, almost €4.3 million of the €6 million will be used to improve 163 outdoor amenities across the country, with each project receiving up to €30,000 to support their enhancement.
On top of this, funding will also be invested in 37 outdoor projects that are currently at the early stage of development, with these projects to receive funding of up to €50,000.
Projects being funded in terms of improving existing outdoor amenities include:
- Fountainstown Carrigaline, Co. Cork: Improve access for water sport, as well landscaping works - €30,000
- Ballyboy Forest, Co. Wicklow: Create a looped equestrian trail - €29,700
- Kilrush, Co. Clare: Link the cycle routes from the town centre and along the nearby coastal roads - €21,207
- Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny: Upgrade Wood Road between the village and the River Barrow Amenity Area - €29,700
- Dunmore East, Co. Waterford: Enhancement of open water swim amenities - €25,200
- Kincasslagh Tower, Co. Donegal: Upgrade access road to the signal tower and provide bench seating - €30,000
- Carrabane Forest Muddy Walks, Co Galway: "Feel the Forest" multi-use family trail at Carrabane Forest Walk - €29,250
- Carlingford, Co. Louth: Carlingford Omeath Greenway Upgrade - €30,000
Meanwhile, projects being developed include:
- Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford: Extend the Enniscorthy Riverside Walk - €49,500
- Glen Wood Footbridge, Co. Sligo: Pedestrian suspension rope bridge / footbridge - €50,000
- Balbriggan, Co. Dublin: Feasibility study for a tidal swimming pool - €50,000
- Culdaff, Co. Donegal: Develop plans for pontoon at existing timber jetty near Bunagee in Culdaff
Announcing the funding, Humphreys said it will support the further development of Ireland's greenways, blueways and hiking trails and will make them even more enjoyable places for families to visit.
"Every county will benefit from today’s announcement so if you’re a walker, a swimmer, a cyclist or even a fisherman – check out the list to see what’s happening in your county," she said.
"Getting active in the fresh air outdoors can be a tonic for the body and soul and this was brought home to us all during the pandemic.
"Some of these amenities are often hidden gems on our doorsteps so I’m encouraging people to get out and discover them over the rest of the summer."
More details on the projects announced on Wednesday (3 July) are available
here.
Meanwhile, funding for larger-scale projects under the scheme will be announced by Humphreys in the coming weeks.
Main image via Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie
