Forty-four projects across the country have won a share of €8.4 million funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

The successful projects were announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development last week following applications made in 2019.

This Scheme provides funding for the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways.

Adding onto the €1.8m approved for 109 smaller Measure 1 projects last November, 35 medium-sized projects will benefit with funding of up to €200,000 each (Measure 2 projects), and nine larger projects with funding of up to €500,000 each (Measure 3 projects).

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The new round of funding will support the development of projects like Cork's Spike Island Coastal Walking route, Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park in Limerick, Phase 1 of the Foxford to Pontoon Greenway in Mayo and Monaghan's Rossmore Forest Park Family Cycle Route.

These projects will contribute further to Ireland's tourism offering, and will encourage visitors to extend their holidays in rural areas and explore the many attractions the regions have to offer.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is made possible thanks to a collaborative initiative between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Fáilte Ireland, with the Department providing €4.4 million of the total, complemented by €4 million from Fáilte Ireland.

(CM)