Belvedere, Lough Ennell, Ballinea, The Downs and Kilbeggan get funds under €1.8 million scheme

Belvedere, Lough Ennell, Ballinea, The Downs and Kilbeggan are included for funding announced by Michael Ring, TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development this week.

He has approved over €1.8 million in funding for 128 projects under Measure 1 of the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

The scheme is part of the government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as greenways, blueways and other trails. 

The grants being awarded relate to small local projects, with funding of up to €20,000 being provided for maintenance works and the promotion of existing recreation infrastructure.

Minister Ring said: “Recreational tourism is a growing sector in Ireland’s tourism offering, and we have seen an increase in the number of Irish and overseas visitors enjoying the many greenways, blueways and walking trails which have been developed around the country in the last few years.

“I am happy to announce funding of €1.8 million for 128 projects around the country. 

“These projects will enhance existing recreational facilities for the benefit of the communities who use them every day, and also for the many tourists who enjoy visiting our rural areas.

“Projects approved under this measure include the upgrading of surfaces on walking trails, improvements to route signage, the development of promotional materials, and the provision of bicycle stands, to name just a few.

“Improved recreational facilities significantly enhance the quality of life for people who live close to the projects and also support sustainable economic development in rural areas. 

“We have seen this time and again with the projects supported by this scheme since its introduction in 2016.

“The type of projects funded through this scheme will include greenways, cycleways and loop walks. 

“These are wonderful amenities which enable communities to get out and experience the natural environment and which also attract visitors, thus benefiting the local economy.”

Minister Ring said that local development companies, county councils and communities have all worked together to develop these proposals and he was happy to be able to provide the financial resources necessary to support so many projects at local level.

“I have seen first-hand, how a small level of investment in outdoor recreational facilities in rural areas across Ireland can make a significant difference to local communities and to attracting visitors.

“There was a huge level of interest in the funding available for local projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme this year, and I’m pleased to have been able to approve 128 applications within the resources available for this measure.” 

(Details of funding below image.)

PROJECTS TO RECEIVE FUNDS

Funding is via Westmeath Community Development.

Upgrade existing walking routes at Belvedere House Gardens and Park, €20,000.

Upgrade car park at Lilliput Jonathan Swift Amenity Park on Lough Ennell, €20,000.

Extension of greenway access car park at Ballinea, Mullingar, €20,000.

New greenway access car park at Bellmont, Mullingar, (provide small parking strip adjacent to the Royal Canal Greenway, Bellmont), €12,000.

New greenway access car park at The Downs, Mullingar, €20,000.

Maintenance and improvement works on existing Westmeath Way walking route, Kilbeggan to Mullingar, €20,000.

Walking path link Moate station to Rosemount Road – additional works to make the sealing of the surface of this path (funded under last year’s scheme) more durable and extend its lifespan. Provide gates and chicanes similar to those on the greenway. Complete the improvements to boundary hedging and verges commenced under last year’s scheme, €20,000.

Upgrade and maintenance of existing paths in Portlick Forest Park, upgrade and signage, Portlick, €20,000.

Walking and cycling paths in Burgess Park, Athlone, €20,000.