A much-needed overflow carpark at Glenbarrow and development of a plan for the Derryounce Lakes in Portarlington are among the projects set to receive funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastucture Scheme announced by Minister Heather Humphreys this afternoon.
A total of €112,518 has been assigned for the development of an overflow car park at Glenbarrow which will improve “accessibility to the Slieve Bloom mountains” while €50,000 has been granted to the Derryounce Lakes and Trails Development Plan and Technical Designs.
There has also been €87,390 granted to develop a “safe pedestrian and cycle link to Moore Abbey Woods from Monasterevin town”.
The funding is part of a €15.5 million investment in 84 outdoor adventure projects across the country.
The projects chosen for investment include walking and cycling trails, cliffways, beaches, lakes, rivers, bogs, greenways, blueways and bridleways.
Today’s announcement brings the total investment announced this year under the scheme this to almost €35 million.
Among the big projects across the country to receive funding is €500,000 for the further development of the Tralee Bay Coastal Greenway and just under €500,000 for the development of a new multi-use leisure route and sculpture park on the Portumna Blueway.
“(Glenbarrow) is one of the most popular walking amenities in Laois with ever increasing footfall,” said Laois-Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan in welcoming the news.
“I was delighted to formally open the walk with Cllr Tom Mulhall some years ago and I have been seeking car parking funding to assist this fine amenity. I hope works can get under way as soon as possible.
“In Offaly, €50,0000 has also been approved for a development plan for the Derryounce Experience at Derryounce Lakes and Trails just outside Portarlington and €200,000 has been awarded to create a new 400m river walk amenity along the banks of the River Brosna at Clashawaun, Clara.
“These amenities have proven very popular in recent years.
“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has been crucial to the development of the recreation facilities enjoyed by growing numbers of locals and tourists in rural areas in recent years and will make rural Ireland a better place to live and work.”
“Investment in outdoor recreation is vital for rural Ireland, both for the people who live here and the tourists who visit,” added local Green Party Senator and Minister Pippa Hackett.
“We all need to get out into our forests, mountains, and bogs for the sake of our physical and mental health.
“Fortunately we are rich in such landscapes in the Midlands and I’m delighted to see €112,518 being spent on developing an overflow car park at Glenbarrow, Rosenallis, improving accessibility to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, and a trail development for Derryounce Lakes in Portarlington being allocated €50,000 in today’s announcement.”
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