Leitrim trails receive major boost with €29,000 in funding
Nine community groups in Leitrim will receive grants ranging from €1,500 to €25,000 for the development and upgrade of their local trails.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced funding of over €1 million to support and improve 517 walking trails across the country.
Under the initiative, nine community groups in Leitrim will receive grants ranging from €1,500 to €25,000 for the development and upgrade of their local trails.
Cloone Tidy Towns Committee/Cloone Homecoming Committee will receive €2,500.
€1,500 will be allocated to Keeldra Lake Amenity Development, Kiltyclogher Community Council, O’Rourke’s Table Development Group, Rossinver Community Development Company and SLNCR Rail Trail Working Group.
Leitrim Way Management Committee will see €15,000.
The Sliabh an Iarainn Tracks and Trails Committee will receive €4,000, while €25,000 will be allocated to the Miner’s Way and Historical Trail Management Committee, which spans Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon.
Locally Frank Feighan TD has welcomed the announcement for his party colleague, Minister Humphreys and the €29,000 for Co Leitrim and a further €41,500 to cover walks in Sligo and Roscommon.
“I am glad to see that for the first, funding is also being provided under the scheme to support groups to promote their trails as tourist attractions.
“There are so many people, young and old out and about everyday on our local greenways and blueways, it is vital we ensure that are all of excellent quality and are well maintained,” concluded Frank Feighan.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “Our walkways and outdoor trails really do showcase all that is good about our rural towns and villages.
“So I’m delighted to announce over €1 million for 517 trails right across the country.
“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 freeze air, to clear the head, is so important.
“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.”