Two outdoor recreation projects in Laois are set to receive over €250,000 in funding between them following an announcing from Minister Heather Humphreys this morning.
The River Erkina Community Blueway has been granted €191,728 while the Derryounce Lakes and Trails in Portarlington has been given €62,444.
The funding comes from the Government’s first National Outdoor Recreation Strategy ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’.
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors was developed in partnership with Comhairle na Tuaithe and aims to strengthen and support our recreation sector in Ireland. Throughout Ireland we have our forests, mountain trails, rivers, greenways and beaches.
The funding for the River Erkina grant will help fund the development of a floating pontoon and access at Castle Durrow Demesne, a foot bridge on the River Goul at its confluence with the River Erkina, carpark and access at the Woodenbridge and access steps at Boston Bridge.
The Derryounce grant will help provide a link to the trail from both Laois and Offaly.
“I would like to congratulate all involved in these projects on their successful applications and look forward to commencing which will be of great benefit to all in our local community and those visiting Laois,” said Laois-Offaly TD and Minister for State Sean Fleming.
“These outdoor amenities are of huge benefit in our communities improving our mental and physical health as well as bringing economic benefits in our communities.”
“Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors is about the strategic development of Ireland’s Outdoor Recreation sector so we can deliver maximum benefits to communities across the county,” said local Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan on the announcement.
“Those benefits are huge. Spending time outdoors supports our mental and physical health and it improves our quality of life.”
In total, a fund amounting to €14 million has been announced to develop adventure tourism projects across the country with a focus on hiking, cycling, wild swimming and kayaking among others.
Among the projects being funded include a maximum €500,000 for a repair and upgrade of a looped section of the Cliffs of Moher North Coastal Walk as well as €500,000 for a Kilmore Quay Recreation Trail in Wexford and Phase 1 of the Cappoquin Railway Bridge Loop Walk in Waterford.
