A total of 84 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland, comprising greenways, pathways and more, have secured funding of over €15 million.

The new round of funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and represents the first time funding is also being provided to progress 18 outdoor recreational projects that are at an early stage of development.

Along with this landmark funding, the investment will see the development of 66 natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, swimming and cycling.

The projects chosen for investment include walking and cycling trails, cliffways, beaches, lakes, rivers, bogs, greenways, blueways and bridleways.

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This announcement brings the total investment announced this year under the scheme this to almost €35 million.

Minister Humphreys made the announcement at the Nobber to Castletown Greenway in Nobber, Co Meath yesterday, 30 November. A further section of this Greenway from Wilkinstown to Castletown received approval of €500,000 in the funding announcement.

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."

The Minister continued: "This investment will be felt in every county and is further proof of the positive impact 'Our Rural Future' is having across the country.

"I'm also really pleased to provide over €855,000 in funding to support 18 further projects that are at an earlier stage of development.

"These projects, when complete, will make Rural Ireland an even better place to live, work, visit and raise a family.

"I want to acknowledge the support of our partners, Fáilte Ireland, who are once again contributing to the funding of successful projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme."