€10k for north Louth walking trail

€10,000 has been granted to Louth Leader Partnership to carry out an ecological assessment of the Tain Way and three loop trails (Slieve Foy Loop; Barnavave Loop and Commons Loop).

The funding was announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, as part of €209,000 in funding to upgrade and enhance 23 walking trails across the country.

The initiative is designed to boost outdoor recreation and adventure tourism and to enhance some of the country’s most popular outdoor trails.

Under the Walks Scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landholders to maintain the trails that travel through their land. Funding is also provided to local development companies for the management of the scheme and the upkeep of the trails.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

“Our walkways and outdoor trails really showcase the unique beauty of our rural towns and villages.

“They are hugely popular assets among families, hikers, cyclists and tourists alike and it’s therefore so important that we continuously maintain and protect them.

“So today, I’m delighted to announce this funding of over €209,000 under my Department’s Walks Scheme.

“This funding will enhance 23 of our most popular walking trails across the country.

“I’m pleased too that these projects will be delivered through local contractors and workers, therefore providing a boost to our rural economies.

“This funding, along with my recent announcement of the Walks Scheme’s expansion, builds on the unprecedented investment in our outdoor amenities, underpinned by our most ambitious rural development policy in decades – ‘Our Rural Future’.”

The Minister concluded:

“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.

“I would encourage everyone to visit their local trails to see the fantastic work that is being done in conjunction with our farmers and landowners.

“A visit to your local trail also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, beautiful views and the peace of mind that being in the outdoors brings.”