Six local outdoor recreation projects to receive government funding of over €150k

Six local outdoor recreation projects will receive a total of €151,954 in funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) which was announced today (Thursday) by Minister Heather Humphreys.

Nationwide, funding of €4.1 million has been granted to develop and enhance over 150 outdoor recreation projects.

Offaly County Council has been granted €60,000 to carry out small scale upkeep and repair work on the Slieve Bloom Way & ancillary loops at Cadamstown and Kinnitty and on the Offaly Way & ancillary loops at Kilcormac and Lough Boora.

Offaly Local Development Company was allocated €26,460 for enhancement works for Phase 2 of the Bog Road Lusmagh Heritage Bog Walk and €5,494 to replace decayed fencing posts on the Figile Walk Phase 2.

Meanwhile, on the Laois/Offaly border, Laois County Council has been granted €30,000 to upgrade the Glenbarrow Amenity Area and Laois Partnership has been awarded €30,000 for upgrade works at Derryounce Lakes & Trails path.

Minister Pippa Hackett welcomed the funding, saying: “I’m pleased to see €91,954 being invested in four Offaly Projects and €180,000 in six Laois Projects under the latest round of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funding from Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.

Offaly and Laois have so much to offer locals and visitors. We have fantastic outdoor amenities across both counties and this funding will help to extend those amenities; improving access to our Mountain trails and Bog, Forest, River and Lake walks.

With Spring in the air, brighter evenings, and summer just round the corner, there’s no time like the present to get out and see what Rural Ireland has to offer," Minister Hackett concluded.

Cllr John Clendennen also warmly welcomed the funding allocation, stating: "Since 2018, there has been an unprecedented level of multi-million funding in biking and hiking trails across Offaly, it is critical that a consistent level of maintenance and repair funding is allocated to ensure the upkeep of trails, providing reassurance for all users of high safety standards and allowing people to enjoy the amenities to their full potential."

The Councillor for the Birr Area also highlighted the benefit for both the local community and visitors to the area. "In recent years the use of trails has increased significantly, both from local communities using facilities for health and recreational purposes whilst also providing tourism development opportunities leading to new businesses and job creation."

"I want to acknowledge the support of Minister Humphreys for the Birr area under this scheme, it is important that there is a continued annual commitment to such a funding allocation, and I will continue to convey that message with the Minister as the opportunity arises," concluded Cllr Clendennen.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“With summer just a couple of months away, I’m really pleased to announce over €4.1 million to develop over 150 outdoor recreation projects right across Rural Ireland.

“The investment I’m announcing today will greatly enhance the natural amenities right on our doorstep, from our walkways, mountain trails and forest walks, to our cycleways, beaches and rivers. I believe the projects receiving funding today will play an important role in attracting more visitors to our rural towns and villages.

“So my big message as Minister today is to get out and explore those hidden gems in your community. The clocks are going forward this weekend, a perfect reason to go on that hike or cycle and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Minister Humphreys continued: “I look forward to making further announcement for larger scale investment in this sector in the coming weeks.”

The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches and will also provide a boost to local economies by attracting more visitors to our rural communities.

These projects, under Measure 1, are to receive funding of up to €30,000 and will be delivered by September 2025. Further announcements of successful projects under Measures 2 and 3 of ORIS 2023 will be made in the coming weeks.