Offaly greenway project, bog link and walking trail funded

Three Offaly projects have received almost €540,000 in funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The main Offaly beneficiary is the plan for a greenway from Ballycommon to Kilbeggan, which will link the Royal Canal greenway to the Grand Canal Greenway.
The €313,280 funding will bring the greenway from Odlum's Bridge to the Silver River Aqueduct and will involve the upgrading of the existing disused towpath along the canal to a high-quality shared cycle way and footway.

Part of the existing towpath which will be upgraded and included in the Ballycommon to Kilbeggan Greenway.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is a collaboration between The Department of Rural and Community Development and Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority.
The other Offaly projects grant aided include €152,360 for an improved walking trail, with benches and signage, at Derryounce Lakes and Trails, near Portarlington.
Another €72,000 has been earmarked for an extension of the existing link path on the Clara Bog at New Road, Erry.
National total of €8.4 million has been allocated to 44 projects, by Minister for Rural and Community Development , Michael Ring.
The funding will benefit 35 medium-sized projects with funding of up to €200,000 each (Measure 2 projects), and 9 larger projects with funding of up to €500,000 each (Measure 3 projects). This investment is in addition to €1.8 million approved for 109 smaller Measure 1 projects last November.
The investment is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Fáilte Ireland, with the Department providing €4.4 million of the total, complemented by €4 million from Fáilte Ireland.