€11m funding for rural recreation projects
Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has approved over €11 million in funding for projects under Measures 1 and 3 of the 2017 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 and the maintenance, enhancement and promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland.
The grants being awarded will support a mix of smaller local measures with grants of up to €10,000 each (Measure 1), and larger projects will have a significant national or regional impact (Measure 3). Grants of between €100,000 and €1 million are available under the latter measure.
The funding includes support for Coillte to maintain walks and trails through woodlands and forests across Ireland. In addition, funding will support the extension of the Shannon Erne Blueway in Leitrim and Cavan, reinforcing the role of Ireland’s inland waterways as a recreational resource of significant tourism potential.
Minister Ring said: “I firmly believe that the continued development of our recreational infrastructure will not only support Ireland’s rural tourism potential, but will also provide a diverse range of recreation options for local communities to support their own health and fitness and enjoy the countryside with their families. I hope to make further announcements under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in the Autumn.”
