Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary officially opened projects worth more than €1 million across County Wicklow. His department contributed €966,800 towards the projects, which aim to support local communities and services.

The minister began his visit in Roundwood, opening the Vartry Reservoir Walks project. It received €495,000 through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) and provides family-friendly walks, play facilities and lake views around five minutes from Roundwood village.

At the opening, Calleary said: "I am delighted that funding through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht supported the development of the Vartry Recreation Trails. I would like to thank all those involved in this transformative project, which helps the community to more easily avail of the benefits of spending time in such spectacular natural surroundings."

In Glenmalure, he officially reopened the refurbished Kirikee Community Hall, which received €221,800 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS). The building opened as a school in 1881 and became a community space for local groups and clubs in 1951.

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Speaking in Glenmalure, Calleary said: "I firmly believe that the reopening of this hall will greatly benefit the entire community, which is what investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is all about. The works that will be completed here will transform the Community Hall into a vibrant and welcoming destination for all ages.

"I have no doubt that the impact derived from this project will be enjoyed for many years to come and that the Community Hall will play a central role in community life, here for all to enjoy."

The minister also unveiled renovations at the Old Schoolhouse in Lacken, supported by €250,000 from the TVRS. The renovated building provides a venue for meetings, classes and social and cultural activities.

Speaking in Lacken, Calleary said: "I believe that those who chose to live in rural Ireland must be given the chance to take advantage of the increased opportunities to spend time with their communities in warm, safe, and vibrant spaces."

"The newly-renovated Old Schoolhouse not only assists with these opportunities, it is helping to improve the quality of life for people in the community."

ORIS funds new outdoor recreation infrastructure and supports the repair, maintenance, enhancement and promotion of existing facilities in rural Ireland. Since 2020, Wicklow has received €5.3 million under the scheme for 63 projects.

The TVRS is funded through Project Ireland 2040 as part of the government's rural development policy. Since its launch in 2016, more than €217 million has been allocated to almost 2,000 projects nationally, including over €5.4 million for 62 projects in Wicklow.