Funding has been secured to repair the damage caused to Sligo Way following a recent spate of forest fires.

Fianna Fáil TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon welcomed the announcement and called for the work to get underway "without delay".

Deputy Scanlon said: "The recent forest fires at Killery saw serious damage caused to the boardwalk along the Sligo Way. The pathway was deemed unsafe and the walking trail was closed to the public. This hiking and walkway is a major tourist attraction and is one of the routes for the upcoming 'Sligo Camino'. Its closure has a serious impact on the local economy and tourism based businesses in the county.

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"I pressed the importance of the repair work with Minister Ring's office and I welcome the allocation of €54,000 to support the works.

"Sligo has become a hiking and walking destination, bringing thousands of hikers to the county every year. The damage caused to this part of the trail had the potential to threaten Sligo's walking and tourism offering but I am pleased that the Minister took my concerns on board and moved quickly to secure money for this important project."

(CD/LM)