Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has confirmed that almost €60,000 has been allocated to five projects administered by the Clare Local Development Company under the first phase of the Government’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
€15,900 will go towards the Ogonnelloe Community Footpath Maintenance Project; €15,068 to extend the Inagh Kilnamona walkway; €14,516 to provide trailheads and linked walks for the West Clare Trailways at Loop Head; €7,285 to upgrade and maintain the cascades in Lissycasey and €5,600 to develop looped heritage walks in Tulla.
Stating that the first phase of the scheme concentrates on small scale local projects, Deputy Carey explained that funding of up to €20,000 was available to expand and maintain existing facilities.
“Over €1.8 million was allocated to 128 projects around the country to develop greenways, blueways, and other trails so that people can experience the natural beauty of the countryside.
“With a significant growth in recreational tourism, a small investment in these type of projects can make a big difference to local communities. More and more people want to get out onto greenways and trails and these small scale initiatives can give a boost to the local economy as well as helping to maintain local amenities,” Deputy Carey said.
He added that the second and third phases of the scheme, which focus on larger-scale projects, will be announced later in year
