Laois walking trails and outdoor amenities get big boost

Ten projects in Laois including popular walking trails have received funding to improve the county's outdoor recreational facilities. Funding of  €361,725 has been allocated in Laois as part of a national strategy to embrace 'Ireland's outdoors'.

Laois County Council has received €40,000 for the Abbeyleix Vitality Hub where a trailhead will be created in Fr Breen park that will link existing walks in the area.

Carrigmeal trail has been allocated  €32,310 for phase four of development at the site. This will involve upgrade works to the Carrigmeal woodland trail including the upgrade of surfaces, fencing and website development.

A further €40,000 has been earmarked for the enhancement and development of Fossey looped walk. 1km of trail will be resurfaced to develop an accessible route to the waterfall.

A dedicated website for Laois walking trails will be developed with the help of a grant of €32,400. 

Kilminchy Lakes has been given a €40,000 boost for the installation of a 700m of pathway for the use of joggers, walkers, wheelchair and buggy users. Laois County Council has been allocated  €40,000 for the SVT activity and wellness hub. This money will be used for Barrow blueway recreational enhancements, installing equipment storage container and four e-bikes and an accessible bike passenger unit and e-bike charging unit. 

Laois Partnership Company has been awarded €39,600 for upgrade works on Cullahill Mountain looped walks including infrastructure improvements, environmental enhancements, and safety measures.

Laois Partnership Company has also received €8,415 for the upgrade of signage at the Erkina River Bank and Durrow Leafy Loop Trails. This will include the addition of information boards along the Erkina Riverbank walking trail and Bishop’s Wood section of the Durrow Leafy Loop.

Repair work on the Slieve Bloom Way and its ancillary loops will be carried out with Laois Partnership Company receiving €39,600 for the project. 

The highest amount of funding was allocated to Laois County Council,  €50,000, in order to prepare a  plan to develop a hub for multi-use outdoor recreation at the Nore Amenity Area, Castletown. 

READ NEXT: WATCH: Hero's welcome for Laois Garda and Tipperary All Ireland captain Ronan Maher

Welcoming the funding Willie Aird TD said: "This funding is being provided as part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

“This funding will be used to invest in recreational facilities such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based amenities and mountain access routes. When projects are delivered, this funding will provide a major boost to the local economy by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation as a destination for adventure tourism.

“Across the country there is €8.7 million being provided for 221 projects. This new funding is going to make a big difference for outdoor amenities in our County, making them even better for local families and visitors alike. It’s so important to get out and make the most of what our outdoors has to offer."

Sean Fleming TD added: "This funding will make a significant difference in these areas.  When we visit these recreational spaces around Laois we can see the positive effect of the investment in these places.  These recreational projects have a major positive impact on the wellbeing of the local community and all people who visit these areas and they are also a boost to local tourism and business.

"Finally, it is important to continue investment in rural Ireland to enhance these areas and this funding will showcase what our Lovely Laois has to offer."