Over €236,000 for Mayo outdoor adventure projects
FUNDING of €236,877 has been awarded to Mayo for seven outdoor recreation infrastructure projects.
The funding was confirmed by Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon following this morning’s announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, under Measure 1 of the 2022 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, which provides investment ranging from €30,000 for small scale projects.
The following seven Mayo projects were successful:
Ballina Quay: Upgrade access to Ballina Quay - €27,000.
Clare Lake Trailhead (Claremorris): Extend the exiting trailhead at Clare Lake, Land of the Giants and McMahon Park trails - €29,624.
Carrowmore Beach Trail (Louisburgh): Identify route to connect Louisburgh town with Carrowmore Beach - €49,500.
Mullaghroe Blue Flag beach (Belmullet): Trailhead Improvements to Mullaghroe Beach - €27,000.
Raheen Woods (Castlebar): Raheen Woods upgrade and enhancement works to the trailhead - €28,153.
Siúlóid lorrais Cois Fharraige (Erris)/Erris seaside walk: Siuilöid that ar Leithinis Mhuirthead a fhorbairt - Thiar Thuaidh Mhuigh Eo/to develop a walk around the Mullet Peninsula - €48,600.
Tullaghan Loop Walks (Bangor Erris): Upgrade community loop walks - €27,000.
Deputy Dillon congratulated the successful applicants, saying: “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.
“These facilities are now more important than ever, designed to benefit the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they are located.
“We have wonderful mountain trails, forest walks, bogs, beaches, rivers and walking trails across Mayo for our local communities to enjoy as well as drawing visitors to our towns and villages which will help support the rural economy.
“As a rural county so reliant on tourism, it is vital that we continue to invest and adapt in what we have to offer to those coming to visit our county. We have a strong product to offer but increasingly, we are looking at our more niche tourism amenities to attract visitors in - but equally, these facilities are a wonderful offering for those of us living locally.
“Well done to Mayo County Council and everyone involved in their project applications and for the work they undertake in their communities which are enjoyed by so many.”
Castlebar Councillor Ger Deere was delighted about the enhancement and upgrades to the walks around Raheens Woods.
He commented: “Since these walks were developed some years ago, they have proven such a popular amenity along the Great Western Greenway, and particularly during lockdown, it was a fantastic resource.
“This funding will greatly improve the area so that it can be enjoyed into the years ahead by young and old.
“Well done to the staff of Mayo County Council tourism section for preparing this application and it's great to see funding like this being restored to the council.”
Councillor Martin McLoughlin also welcomed the funding for the new car park facility at Rehins Woods. He worked closely with Mayo County Council to secure the allocation and is anxious that work gets underway shortly. He said it is proving a very popular amenity for local people and schools.