A new lakeside trail in Kilminchy and a cycle hub in Durrow are among the seven outdoor projects in Laois that have been granted funding today totalling almost €220,000.
The Durrow Cycle Hub has been awarded €41,463 from the Outdoor Recreation Scheme while five others have received €30,000 and one project has got €28,249.
Projects in Ballinakill, Castletown, Timahoe, Durrow, Kilminchy, Errill and Mountrath.
The funding was announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and the announcements relevant to Laois were welcomed by local representatives.
“The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is to enhance outdoor amenities such as walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes,” says Minister of State Sean Fleming.
“This funding is key to development of these rural activities and will also contribute to our local economies by attracting more visitors to our towns and villages in Laois.
“Laois has a wealth of mountains, canals, forest trails, rivers & lakes and I would encourage people to get active outdoors and avail of the great outdoor amenities in County Laois.
“I would like to acknowledge the great work that is carried out in our communities in the development and maintenance of these outdoor projects and look forward to seeing works commence as soon as possible.
“I also acknowledge the support of Laois County Council who worked with all these community groups as the lead partner in the application for these funds.”
“I am particularly excited that Durrow Cycle Hub is getting off the starting blocks with funding for a feasibility study and upgrade of existing walking routes into looped cycle trails,” added Minister Pippa Hackett.
“This is a collaborative community project that I have been proud to advocate for. It will increase the tourism offering of an already appealing area.
“Well done to Hugh Sheppard, Pedal Vintage, Tidy Towns and all who got the project this far. I look forward to the development of Durrow as a Family Cycle Hub for the purpose of enhancing and further promoting, the rich culture of leisure cycling locally.”
Details of the project in Laois are as follows:
- Ballinakill Trailhead: Walking Trails and South Laois Cycling Trails Upgrade €30,000
- Castletown Woodland Trails: Upgrade Castletown Woodland Trail – Phase 2 €30,000
- Durrow Cycle Hub (PDM): Upgrade existing walking routes into two looped cycle trails €41,463
- Esker Lane, Timahoe: Surface Upgrade works to Esker Ridge Lane €28,249
- Kilminchy Lakes Trail: Kilminchy Develop Lakeside trail around the three lakes €30,000
- Little Derries Access: Little Derries Island access route upgrade €30,000
- Whitehorse River Trail: Whitehorse Trail, Upgrade €30,000
