Funding of more than €4 million has been announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, to develop and enhance over 150 outdoor recreation projects across Ireland.

The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches. It will also provide a boost to local economies by attracting more visitors to our rural communities.

Up to €30,000 will be invested will in each project under the new round of funding – with a focus being placed on small scale enhancements, upgrades and repairs.

The projects being funded include:

• Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscrai, Co. Cork: Development of new 2.2 km section of Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscraí - €26,880

• Traught Beach Accessibility Upgrade, Co. Galway: Upgrade accessibility to Traught Beach - €29,700

• Ballybunion – Beach Access, Co. Kerry: Maintenance and repair works at Ballybunion South Blue Flag Beach - €30,000

• Derryounce Lakes & Trails Trail Upgrade, Co. Laois: Upgrade works at Derryounce Lakes & Trails paths - €30,000

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• Outdoor Sensory Space, Lough Muckno Park, Co. Monaghan: Development of an outdoor sensory space adjacent to the existing playpark in Lough Muckno Park. - €30,000

• Kilkee Cliff Walk, Co. Clare: Improvement works to Kilkee Cliff Walk - €27,000

• Castleconnell Village Steps, Co. Leitrim: Installation of steps to provide safe access into the Shannon

• Lusmagh Heritage Bog Walk, Co. Offaly: Enhancement works at Lusmagh Heritage Bog Walk - €26,460

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: "With summer just a couple of months away, I'm really pleased to announce over €4.1 million to develop over 150 outdoor recreation projects right across Rural Ireland. The investment I'm announcing today will greatly enhance the natural amenities right on our doorstep - from our walkways, mountain trails and forest walks, to our cycleways, beaches and rivers. I believe the projects receiving funding today will play an important role in attracting more visitors to our rural towns and villages. So my big message as Minister today is to get out and explore those hidden gems in your community. The clocks are going forward this weekend – a perfect reason to go on that hike or cycle and enjoy the great outdoors."

Minister Humphreys continued: "The Government's Rural Development policy, ‘Our Rural Future' and the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland's Outdoors', have together set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come. The health benefits from engaging in outdoor activity combined with the economic and social benefits that can be achieved by this investment for rural Ireland, will no doubt serve us well in to the future. That is why I am making this funding available today and I look forward to making further announcement for larger scale investment in this sector in the coming weeks."

The funding announced today is in addition to the €2.3m which was announced in November 2023 for 50 projects under the Project Development Measure of ORIS.