Funding of over €80,000 for outdoor projects in Offaly welcomed by local TD
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Wednesday, August 3) announced funding of almost €6 million with over €80,000 granted to Offaly to develop outdoor adventure projects.
The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing outdoor amenities such as walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.
Reacting to the announcement today, Offaly TD Barry Cowen said: "I am delighted to be advised today by Minister Heather Humphreys that funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) has been awarded to the below projects in Offaly. Well done to all involved."
The Figile River Walk has been granted €7,946 in funding for upgrade works.
Small scale repair work on the "Seven Blessed Wells" in Killeigh outside Tullamore will receive €12,885 in funding.
The Offaly Way will receive €27,500 for small scale upkeep and work on its ancillary loops at Kilcormac and Lough Boora.
The Shinrone Sensory Nature Trail and Woodland Walk has secured €6,555 under the scheme.
Finally, the Slieve Bloom Way will receive €27,500 to undertake small scale upkeep and repair work.
Minister Hackett also welcomed the latest ORIS funding of €82,386 for outdoor projects in Offaly. Minister Hackett said: "I am delighted to see funding for Shinrone Sensory Nature Trail and Woodland Walk included in this round. Offaly has so much to offer locals and visitors in our beautiful outdoors and this funding helps to make walks safer and more accessible to all."
It will also provide a major boost to local economies by attracting visitors and furthering Ireland's reputation as a destination for adventure tourism.
As part of today’s announcement, almost €4.3 million will be used to improve some 163 outdoor amenities across the country. Each project will receive up to €30,000 to support their enhancement.
Furthermore, funding will also be invested in 37 outdoor projects that are currently at the early stage of development. These projects are to receive funding of up to €50,000.
Funding for larger scale projects under Measures 2 and 3 of the scheme will be announced by Minister Humphreys in the coming weeks.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:
“We’re at the height of the summer and whatever the weather I know families are getting out and enjoying Ireland’s great outdoors.
“The funding I’m announcing today will support the further development of our greenways, blueways and hiking trails making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit.
“Every county will benefit from today’s announcement so if you’re a walker, a swimmer, a cyclist or even a fisherman check out the list to see what’s happening in your county. Getting active in the fresh air outdoors can be a tonic for the body and soul and this was brought home to us all during the pandemic.
“Some of these amenities are often hidden gems on our doorsteps so I’m encouraging people to get out and discover them over the rest of the summer.”
Minister Humphreys continued:
“Over the last number of years my Department has provided unprecedented investment in our outdoor amenities, underpinned by our most ambitious rural development policy in decades, ‘Our Rural Future.’
“Outdoor recreation tourism is a growing sector internationally, and has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for our rural towns and villages.
“My Department is at an advanced stage of developing the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy which will underpin this investment and give it a platform for further growth.”