€80,000 to develop and upgrade outdoor recreation projects in Leitrim

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD has announced €4.1 million in funding to develop and enhance over 150 outdoor recreation projects.

Under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), the investment will be key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

The allocation of €79,826 for Co Leitrim has been warmly welcomed by Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael TD, Frank Feighan, including four projects: Improvement works to the existing Lough Rinn and Cappagh Trails at Lough Rinn and Cappagh Trails: Improvement works to the existing Lough Rinn and Cappagh Trails with €29,076 of funding granted; Erection of signage and benches at Dromahair Park at Dromahair Park Recreational Walk & Discovery Trail (€10,055); Upgrade and resurface circa 520m of walking trail in Derrycarne Woods at Derrycarne Wood Trail Upgrade Phase 2 (€19,804); and Creation of a trail linking existing walking routes and roadways within Lough Rynn Estate at Farnaught Walking Trail (€20,892).

Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan said that the ORIS funding will further boost the local economy in Leitrim by attracting more visitors to our rural communities with enhanced outdoor facilities.

“I again want to thank Minister Humphreys who has always provided very generous funding to Leitrim and the Northwest, Heather knows the work that local communities and volunteers in partnership with Leitrim Co Council and Leitrim Development Company do locally and this spirit of partnership deserves to be richly rewarded”, said Deputy Frank.

The announcement will also benefit local communities with new or enhanced outdoor facilities and help support local economies by continuing to offer domestic and international visitors an attractive and exciting array of outdoor amenities.

This funding will be invested in 151 outdoor recreation projects, bringing the total number of projects funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development since its establishment in 2017 to almost 1,600 nationwide.

These projects, under Measure 1, will receive funding of up to €30,000 and be delivered by September 2025. In the coming weeks, successful projects under Measures 2 and 3 of ORIS 2023 will be announced.

The funding announced is in addition to the €2.3m announced in November 2023 for 50 projects under the ORIS Project Development Measure.