Louth allocated €2,500 from €1 million fund for walking trails

Louth has been allocated €2,500 to support and improve walking trails, as part of a package of funding of over €1 million to support and improve 517 walking trails across the country.

Under the initiative, around 203 community groups across the country will receive grants ranging from €1,500-€35,000 for the development and upgrade of their local trails. In Louth, Carlingford Heritage CLG can receive the funding for two walking trails that it manages.

The grant funding is being made available to Community Trail Management Organisation who are listed on the Sport Ireland Trails Register only. The grant funding may be used towards to the cost of purchasing equipment, small scale maintenance and/or marketing/promotion of the registered trail. Own labour costs will not be eligible under the Scheme.

Announcing the funding, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said that “Our walkways and outdoor trails really do showcase all that is good about our rural towns and villages. This funding will be used to upgrade and maintain these trails – but also to promote them from a tourism perspective.

"I know we are coming into winter and the evenings are getting darker – but getting out for some fresh air, to clear the head, is so important."

The Minister added, "I want to finally thank all the community groups and Trail Management Organisations that keep our trails in good condition. You do wonderful work and I’m delighted to support you.”