Local projects included in €3.2 million funding announced for outdoor amenities
It has been announced that €3.2 million in funding will be made available for 173 projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today announced details of the scheme which 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.
Among the projects to receive funding include upgrade works at The Girley Bog Loop Walk, signage and promotion works on Oldcastle cycling routes and development of The Nobber Greenway Amenity Park.
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.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:
“The last year has demonstrated more than ever the importance of outdoor amenities for our physical and mental wellbeing.
“There has been a notable increase in the number of people using our walking trails, cycleways, parks and other resources to exercise and keep fit, while respecting the guidelines on social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis.
“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has provided investment for the development of new amenities and the enhancement of existing facilities since 2016 and that investment is now proving its worth as more and more people discover and appreciate the facilities available on their doorstep.
“I am delighted to support the continued development and enhancement of outdoor recreation infrastructure through the allocation of almost €3.2 million for 173 projects across the country, with a particular focus on rural areas. These facilities will represent a tremendous long-term asset for rural communities and visitors alike into the future.”
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, said:
“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) plays a key role in helping to develop and maintain key assets throughout Ireland that are utilised by locals and visitors alike. These trails are environmentally sustainable and are a great opportunity for people to explore and learn more about bio-diversity and the natural environment of our island.
“Fáilte Ireland will be investing €4 million in the ORIS scheme over each of the next 3 years, which supports the work of local communities that provide well-maintained, easily accessible recreational trails across the country.”
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.”