Michael Ring TD, minister for rural and community development, and Orla Carroll, director of strategic development with Fáilte Ireland, have jointly announced the approval of almost €11 million in funding for 78 projects under Measure 2 of the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The Scheme is part of the government’s action plan for rural development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also supports the maintenance, enhancement and promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland.
The grants announced this week will support a mix of medium scale new developments, as well as the repair and upgrade of many existing recreational trails in rural areas. The successful projects will receive grants of up to €200,000 each.
Examples of the projects which have been approved include the Great Arch Trail from Pollet to Fanad Head in Co. Donegal; the development of an outdoor activity hub in Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny; the development of a pedestrian walkway from Cashel to the Rock of Cashel and Hore Abbey in Co. Tipperary; the development of a walkway/cycleway at Mallow Castle grounds in Co. Cork; and the development of the Boyne Greenway in Drogheda, Co. Louth.
"78 Very Important Projects"
Ring stated, "I am delighted, in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, to announce funding of almost €11 million to 78 very important projects under this phase of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. I warmly welcome the contribution of Fáilte Ireland, who are providing €3 million of the total being allocated, enabling us to support a wide range of projects which will benefit rural Ireland."
Meanwhile, Carroll commented, "Fáilte Ireland welcomes the announcement of funding for the successful projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. As the national tourism development authority, it is one of our strategic objectives to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are spread regionally across the country. We will continue to work positively in partnership with the department of rural and community development to deliver quality visitor experiences and to enhance and further develop our recreational tourism offering and the additional social benefits they bring to local communities."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
