Minister Humphreys and Fáilte Ireland announce €3.2 million in funding for outdoor recreational amenities
- 173 projects across the country to benefit under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
- Funding to develop country’s trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways
- Minister Humphreys secures 20% increase in funding for outdoor projects compared to 2020
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (Monday, January 18th) announced almost €3.2 million in funding for 173 projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The scheme provides funding for the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways.
The funding announced today, under Measure 1 of the Scheme, will support small-scale local projects with funding of up to €20,000 each.
It is being announced in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, who are co-funding the projects with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Further announcements in respect of medium and large scale projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with funding of up to €200,000 and €500,000 respectively for each project, will be made at a later stage.
Mayo Projects awarded funding today include:
Achill- Combine the Dooagh 4km looped trail and the 10km Deserted Village Trail.
Belmullet- Erris Head – improves to the trailhead.
Castlebar – Breaffy Woods Loop Walk – supply and install boardwalks.
Claremorris – Clare Lake Land of the Giants – replacement of 2 foot bridges.
Clogher – Clogher Walking Hub – develop 2 high quality loop walks.
Minister Humphreys added:
“The importance of our outdoor recreation facilities cannot be underestimated. They play an important role in supporting our physical and mental health and have never been in more demand. This is why I secured an extra €2 million in funding for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme this year – an increase of 20% from 2020. The total Exchequer allocation for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in 2021 is €12 million.”