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The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced €8.7 million to deliver 221 recreational based projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The announcement was made during a visit to the Warren Way trail in County Sligo.
The funding covers Measure 1, for small-scale repair and development of recreational infrastructure, and the Project Development Measure of the scheme. The projects announced today will cover every county and include enhancement works on walking and cycling trails, improvements to signage, and the provision of parking and trail furniture. Further funding announcements for Measures 2 and 3 of the scheme will be made later this year.
Among the projects being funded include walking trails, mountain access routes and outdoor swimming amenities such as:
• County Donegal – Dungloe: To improve and enhance the Dungloe River and Cope Mountain Looped Walk - €40,000.
• County Kerry – MacGillycuddy Reeks: To carry out works on the Caher Mountain trail in the MacGillycuddy Reeks - €39,870.
• County Wicklow – Wicklow: Installation of a Sea-Trac system in Wicklow Harbour to create independent swimming access for those with a physical disability - €40,000.
• County Mayo - Lahardane: Development of a trail from the Titanic Park in Lahardane towards Nephin car park - €40,000.
• County Monaghan – Lough Muckno: Phase II of the Lough Muckno sensory area and inclusive outdoor recreation space - €40,000.
• County Sligo – Warren Way: Trailhead surfacing and trail resurfacing on the Warren Way - €40,000.
• County Clare – Scariff River: Detailed design preparation for planning of a canoe trail, slalom course and whitewater rafting centre on the river Scariff.
• County Limerick – Ballylanders: Screening and consultations to develop off-road connection between Griston Bog and Ballylanders. - €50,000.
Making the announcement, Minister Calleary said: "Investment in the outdoors is so important to us all from a physical and mental health perspective. I am very happy to be making this announcement today which will see over a wide range of capital projects developed and delivered all across the country, adding to our already impressive outdoor recreation offering.
"The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme continues to deliver on the commitments in Our Rural Future and the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, 'Embracing Ireland's Outdoors', and builds on unprecedented levels of investment in the sector in recent years."
Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer T.D., said: "I very much welcome today's announcement which sees a further 221 projects brought to fruition through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Funding provided under this scheme continues to deliver and enhance our recreational offering which is of huge importance to us from a community wellbeing perspective, as well as being a catalyst for tourism in rural areas.
"I want to commend the various community groups who collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and enhance recreational amenities in their locality."
Minister Calleary concluded: "I have seen firsthand the significant difference investments under this fund have made. I recently attended the national outdoor recreation conference in Limerick, and it was clear that all of the key stakeholders are working together to develop and enhance this vitally important sector in a sustainable and inclusive manner. As Minister with responsibility for this area, I am committed to continuing to develop and grow our recreational amenities.
"I want to congratulate the successful applicants announced today and I look forward to announcing the larger scale projects under measures 2 and 3 of the 2024/25 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in the coming months."
