€539,332 to develop three outdoor adventure projects for Leitrim
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has today launched Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors - an ambitious and transformational National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. with funding for Drumshanbo, Aughacashel and Ballinamore.
The five year strategy was launched this morning in Castlecomer Discovery Park in Co. Kilkenny where the Ardra Loop Walk and Arboretum Walk was also officially opened by the Minister.
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors was developed in partnership with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a collaborative cross-Government strategy that reflects the views of stakeholders and the public. The new strategy will set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come bringing huge economic and health benefits to communities across the country.
Launching Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, Minister Humphreys said: “The pandemic awakened a new discovery to explore amongst the Irish public. When we were confined to our counties or we could only meet friends and family outdoors, we gained a new found appreciation for the unique amenities we have on our doorstep whether it’s our forest parks, our mountain trails, our rivers, our greenways or our stunning beaches.
“Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors is about building on this momentum. It is about the strategic development of Ireland’s Outdoor Recreation sector so we can deliver maximum benefits to communities across the country.
Under the scheme for Leitrim, funding of €539,332 has been announced for 3 outdoor adventure projects in Co Leitrim.
The major investment will see the development of two car park areas and route trails in Drumshanbo, Aughacashel and Ballinamore.
Local TD and Minister of State, Frank Feighan was welcomed the announcements which includes €200,000 for the development of an extended car part at the Acres Amenity at Drumshanbo. This project has already been granted planning under part 8 by Leitrim County Council. The Acres amenity is one of the key intersections on the Shannon Erne Blueway and the popularity of this area for tourists and locals a like required extended car parking and safe access for pedestrians. Work is due to begin also on a new service block with toilets, showers and changing facilities which is been funded by a previously announced Failte Ireland grant.
€139,332 under ORIS will be allocated to the Mass Rock Trail at Mullaghrave, Aghacashel to upgrade works along this fabulous trail and provide a much-needed car park at the trail start
Finally, €200,000 will facilitate the extension of the Shannon Erne Blueway to Lock 4 Aghoo at Ballinamore
“I am thrilled that again this week we see the very generous allocation for Co Leitrim under Minister Humphrey’s department further developing and enhancing the county’s slow tourism infrastructure.
“I am thrilled for the communities of Ballinamore, Kiltubrid and Drumshanbo who will welcome over a half a million euros in developing these most exciting projects, all breathing life and investment into their local rural communities”
“I wish to congratulate Leitrim Co Council in partnership with local community groups who worked hard on these applications that were put forward to the department for consideration” concluded Minister Feighan.
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors focuses on bringing a more joined-up and cohesive approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at both a national and county level. As part of the strategy new Outdoor Recreation Committees will be established in every County to ensure there is a focused and strategic approach to the development of local amenities.
Building on this ground-up, locally led approach, the Minister is today announcing €14m for the development of 59 outdoor recreation amenities and to support outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, and cycling.