The Irish Government has announced funding of almost €2.3 million to support the development of 50 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland.

The funding which is being provided under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will improve outdoor facilities such as walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

When delivered the projects will boost the local economies by attracting visitors and furthering Ireland's reputation as a destination for adventure tourism.

The outdoor projects will receive funding of up to €50,000 to bring them to a shovel-ready stage. Once at a shovel ready stage, they will be in a position to secure further funding through the other measures of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, will announce funding for the delivery of projects on the ground under the other Measures of the scheme early next year.

Among the projects being funded under the Project Development Measure today include:

• Killala, Co. Mayo: Scoping the creation of Ireland’s first underwater artificial reef in Killala bay and environmental planning costs - €50,000.

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• Slieve Bearnagh Mountain, Co. Clare: Feasibility study for the development of a Cycling Hub in Slieve Bearnagh - €50,000

• Linn Taoide Arainn, Co. Galway: Feasibility Study for provision of tidal pool on Arainn along the seashore - €35,847

• Derryounce, Co. Laois: Feasibility Study for the potential development of the Derryounce Amenity Area - €44,280

• Castlerea, Co. Roscommon: Screening, environmental assessments and preparation for development of Castlerea Riverside Boardwalk - €50,000

• Bray Head, Co Wicklow: Recreation Plan to manage and protect the landscape and ensure safe and appropriate recreation - €45,000

• New Ross, Co. Wexford: Planning and design for water sports opportunities in New Ross and the tidal section of the River Barrow - €47,579

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: "We're now heading into the darker days of winter and it’s more important than ever to make the most of those precious daylight hours by getting out and about when you can. The funding I’m announcing today will support the further development of our hiking trails, water based activities and other amenities making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit nationwide. These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I would encourage everyone who can to get out and about, and make the most of what our countryside has to offer.

"The Government’s Rural Development policy, 'Our Rural Future', has allowed us to invest in our outdoor amenities at a level never before seen in Ireland. The economic and social benefits of this investment for our rural heartland can be seen today through the unprecedented number of people enjoying the new amenities my Department has funded in collaboration with local communities all over the country. I’m also pleased that this investment will mark another step forward in delivering on the Government’s ambitious new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy – Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors."