€650,000 investment in Mayo recreational projects
FUNDING of over €650,000 has been announced for recreational projects in Mayo.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has today announced an €8.7 million investment nationally to deliver 221 recreational based projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The funding is in respect of Measure 1 (small scale repair and development of recreational infrastructure) and the project development measure of the scheme. Further announcements in respect of Measures 2 and 3 of the Scheme will be made later this year.
Speaking at The Warren Way, on the outskirts of Ballina, Minister Calleary confirmed that 16 Mayo projects, in addition to The Warren Way, have been allocated funding.
“Here at The Warren Way, on the coast road, Ballina to Enniscrone, €40,000 has been allocated for the surfacing of the trailhead,” said Minister Calleary.
Other projects being funded include:
Dooega and Dugort beaches Achill - installation of two changing facilities, €40,000;
Lahardane to Nephin Trail - development of a trail from Titanic Park towards Nephin car park, €40,000;
Tullaghan Roy loop walks - development and upgrade of loops, €40,000;
Inishturk - upgrading trails and addition on signage to enhance the island's walks, €40,000;
Kilmovee Heritage Loop - completion and enhancement of the 6km route, €39,600;
Downpatrick Head - upgrade of 300m section of trail to make it more accessible, €40,000;
Nephin - improve a 150m section of the access route to Nephin mountain, €40,000;
Balla Town Park - upgrade of Croagh patrick Heritage Trail and loop walks within the park, €40,000;
Bohola walking and cycling hub - completion of the hub to include seating, educational signage and viewing point, €18,000;
Mayo Abbey wetlands development - creation of pathways around an innovative wetland area with fencing, seating and a viewing platform, €39,903;
Croagh Patrick - landscaping degraded areas of the summit and sections of the main path, €40,000;
Tochar Phadraig - upgrade to existing path, €40,000.
The minister further explained how under the project development measure of the scheme, he has allocated €50,000 each to four projects to be advanced. These are Achill Greenway Hub - design of a gateway near the Michael Davitt Bridge, enhancing visitor experience and connectivity; Killala Harbour/Ross walkway - develop a plan ready for planning submission for a marine leisure amenity at Killala Harbour; Portadoon Harbour, Inishturk - develop a plan for a marine leisure amenity; and Bowers Walk, Ballinrobe - investigate routes to re-route the Bowers Walk.
“These are all very exciting projects for Mayo. I will continue to work closely with the partners, including Mayo County Council, North East Mayo Leader, South West Mayo Development Company and local community groups to see them through to fruition,” he said.
Commented Minister Calleary: “Investment in the outdoors is so important to us all from a physical and mental health perspective. I am very happy to be making this announcement today which will see over a wide range of capital projects developed and delivered all across the country, adding to our already impressive outdoor recreation offering.
“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme continues to deliver on the commitments in Our Rural Future and the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, and builds on unprecedented levels of investment in the sector in recent years.
“I am especially pleased to be in a position to support local trails and amenities in Mayo, each of which will greatly enhance the local communities in which they are based. The investment is in excess of €650,000.”