Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has welcomed an overall allocation of €73,921 to four projects in Clare under the 2019 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Outlining details of the allocation, Deputy Carey said that the maximum grant amount of €20,000 went to Clare County Council for a promotion and marketing programme.
€19,600 was allocated for resurfacing and maintenance works on the walkway at the Bridges of Ross, along with the provision of additional public seating.
€18,399 went towards the upgrading of the footpath at Tim Smyth Park in Ennis.
€15,922 was allocated for the extension and upgrade of trails at the Doora Remediated Landfill. This includes the provision of signage, benches, picnic tables, a fairy trail, cutting back of overgrowth, repair to chambers and manholes and installation of counters.
“This funding will support small-scale local projects for investment in outdoor recreation facilities and the promotion of existing recreation infrastructure and I know this will make a big difference to local people.
“The Government’s investment in outdoor recreation facilities and infrastructure also pays a significant economic dividend. Thousands of tourists make walking, hiking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits an important part of their stay in Ireland.
“Last year alone, almost 2.7 million overseas visitors engaged in some form of cross country walking or hiking, while over half a million visitors incorporated cycling into their stay. In addition, one in four of us included walking or hiking as part of our domestic holidays last year,” Deputy Carey said.
“Over the past three years, more than €43 million in funding to support the outdoor recreation sector and Minister Michael Ring has told me that he will shortly be making further announcements in relation to mid-sized and larger projects under separate strands of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.”
“The scheme is part of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration and Development programme,and provides funding for the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways,” Deputy Carey explained.
