€85,000 in funding for outdoor projects in Meath
Six projects get support from Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
Six projects will benefit from over €85,0000 funding announced last week by Minister Heather Humphreys for outdoor projects.
The Minister announced €3.5 million in funding on Friday to support 189 outdoor projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
Last week's announcement was for smaller projects, costing under €20,000 and further funding for large project are expected in the coming weeks.
The Meath project to benefit include the Patrickstown Viewing Point near Loughcrew where €19,800 will be spent on a 40m stone wall, picnic benches and improved signage.
A sum of €19,811 has been allocated to the Castletown Amenity area for improvements to the walking loop and the provision of picnic benches, seating and timber fencing,
Jamestown Bog will see improvements to the walkway and the installation of a high bank viewing area at a cost of €13,537.
A sum of €13,500 has been allocated for the improvement of the car park at Balrath Woods and the preparation of a management plan for the Woods.
At Rathcairn €8,797 will be spent on repairs to existing walkways in the Amenity Park.
Cycle repair stations will be established at Duleek, Donore, Ardcath, Bellewstown and Stamullen at a cost of €8,420.
Minister Humphreys said the funding “will further enhance our unique natural amenities and support Rural Ireland as a destination for adventure tourism.”
“The scheme is designed to support the enhancement of dozens of recreational amenities such as our mountain trails, forest walks, beaches, rivers, lakes, blueways and greenways”.
The scheme is delivered in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
Minister for Tourism, Catherine Martin said: “I am pleased to welcome today’s significant announcement that will help change the landscape of Ireland by creating improved and upgraded outdoor trails for recreation purposes.
“Over the past two years we have seen increased usage of the great outdoors for recreational purposes by both visitors and local communities.
“This is the fourth year Fáilte Ireland has invested in the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
“The ORIS Measure 1 funding will provide invaluable support for the maintenance and upgrade of existing walking routes, cycling routes greenways, blueways and mountain access routes in every county in Ireland.
“Opening the Outdoors is a key priority for Fáilte Ireland and programmes such as this help ensure that domestic and international visitors can experience a world-class, sustainable recreational experience in our beautiful countryside,” she said.