Local walks and trails enjoy boost worth almost €100K
Over €99,000 has today been announced in funding for Cavan projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme supports rural Ireland as a destination for adventure tourism and is designed to enhance recreational amenities such as our mountain trails, forest walks, beaches, rivers, lakes, blueways and greenways.
Killeshandra Camino has received €20,000 to install way-markers, seating, interpretive displays and signage and the production of maps and map board; and €20,000 has also been allocated to Killykeen Greenway Cycle Route at Killeshandra to undertake a route options assessment and preliminary design for Phase II; meanwhile in the east of the county a further €19,300 has been allocated to upgrade the amenity area, meeting and information point and picnic area at the Lough an Leagh beauty spot. The remaining €40,000 is shared equally between County Cavan Trails and Wayfinding; and Countryside Access Signage Plan for County Cavan.
Deputy Brendan Smith predicted the allocations will greatly enhance local tourism facilities.
"In recent years we have seen increased usage of the great outdoors for recreational purposes both by local residents and visitors. Maintaining and upgrading these trails enhances the local tourism product. I compliment the local voluntary groups and Cavan and Monaghan County Councils in progressing these projects," he said.
Deputy Smith's party colleague, Niamh Smyth TD also welcomed the funding.
"Covid-19 has given us a newfound appreciation for our great outdoors and we are now seeing an unprecedented level of investment in our outdoor amenities, underpinned by the most ambitious Government policy for rural Ireland, ‘Our Rural Future’," said Deputy Niamh Smyth.
"I’m delighted to see so many worthy Cavan projects supported under this funding," she said.
"I am particularly thrilled to see Lough an Leagh receive €19,332.00 in funding in order to upgrade the amenity area, meeting and information point as well as the picnic area. Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust is a committee which I have worked with closely and I'm very pleased that they are now reaping the rewards for their hard labour. I very much look forward to the next phase of development at the national treasure that is Loughanleagh," said the local Fianna Fáil TD.
Unlock the beauty
Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said the money was a continuation of the “unprecedented level of investment" in our outdoor amenities.
“We will carry out upgrades to our mountain trails and forest walks so that we can further unlock the beauty of our rural countryside, and under this fund, we will continue to develop our greenways, cycleways and blueways.
“COVID-19 has given us a newfound appreciation for our great outdoors. That’s why I’m delighted that we can support so many fantastic projects under this funding.”