Minister Humphreys announces a further €6.5 million in funding for outdoor recreational amenities

From Department of Rural and Community Development 

38 projects across the country to benefit under Measure 2 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

Total of 212 projects approved for funding of €9.7 million since the start of the year

Funding made in partnership with Fáilte Ireland

Further announcement on large scale

projects to be made shortly

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., today (4th March 2021) announced over €6.5 million in funding for 38 projects under Measure 2 of 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 will benefit 38 medium-sized projects, with funding of up to €200,000 each (Measure 2 projects).

This investment is in addition to €3.2 million approved for 174 smaller Measure 1 projects in January and is being funded in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.

Examples of the projects awarded funding today include:

Co Leitrim – Sheemore Walk and Cycle Track: €149,400

Co Wexford – Forth Mountain Equestrian Trail and Ballybrittas Portal Tomb Walk: €166,500

Co Sligo – Benbulben Access Upgrade Project, including new disability and age-friendly spaces: €198,000

Co Clare – O’Briensbridge canoe trails with floating pontoon jetty: €200,000

Co. Roscommon - Portrun Water and Land Outdoor Recreation Amenity Improvements: €200,000

Co Cork – Trails at Mallow Castle Grounds and Blueway facilities along the River Blackwater: €200,000

Co Cavan – Dromore Greenway: €200,000

Co Longford – Newtownforbes Bog Walk: €200,000

Co. Monaghan – Ballybay Trail Network: €200,000

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“I am delighted to support the continued development and enhancement of outdoor recreation infrastructure through the allocation of an additional €6.5 million for 38 projects in rural areas across the country. This brings the total investment this year alone under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme to €9.7 million. These facilities will represent a tremendous long-term asset for rural communities and visitors alike into the future.

“Since 2016, my Department has allocated over €61 million to 959 projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. The scheme invests in physical infrastructure that underpins recreational activities based on the use of the resources of the countryside. This investment is making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building the economic and tourism potential of rural areas.

“I want to acknowledge the support of our partners, Fáilte Ireland, who are once again contributing to the funding of successful projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.”

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., said:

“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme plays a significant role in developing and maintaining key outdoor assets throughout Ireland that are utilised by locals and visitors alike. The allocation of over €6.5 million in funding for 38 projects across 21 counties today will be hugely impactful.

"Successful delivery of these projects will encourage activities-based outdoor recreation and tourism in communities throughout the country. This will play a key role in developing environmentally sustainable tourism and allowing people to experience more closely the unique natural heritage of our country.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“The value we place on our outdoor amenities, and the contribution which they make to our physical and mental wellbeing, has never been more appreciated than during the current COVID-19 pandemic."

“We can also expect our outdoor recreation facilities to play an important part in supporting Ireland’s social and economic recovery as restrictions on movements are relaxed and the tourism sector re-opens.

“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 Minister is expected to make a further announcement in respect of Measure 3 projects (larger projects accessing funding of up to €500,000 each) in the coming weeks.