Mayo’s Titanic Park to Nephin Mountain among 16 projects receiving over €650k in funding
Sixteen projects across county Mayo will receive funding to improve outdoor recreational facilities through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
€657,503 has been allocated to local projects as part of a huge €8.7m national investment from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Across Ireland, 221 project will benefit from the funding.
The funding announced today relates to measure one, small-scale repairs and the development of recreational infrastructure, as well as the Project Development Measure, under the Scheme. Further announcements regarding measures two and three will be made later this year.
Minister Dara Calleary TD made the announcement and said he was delighted to allocate funding to local projects. In addition to the improvement projects, €40,000 has gone to the Warren Way coastal road from Ballina to Enniscrone for surfacing of the trailhead.
Seven projects were allocated €40,000 in ORIS funding. These include;
Dooega and Dugort beaches in Achill - for the installation of two changing facilities;
The Lahardane to Nephin Trail - for the development of a trail that leads from the Titanic Park towards Nephin car park;
The Tullaghan Roy Loop Walks - for the development and upgrade of loops;
Downpatrick Head - for the upgrade of a 300m section of trail to improve accessibility on it and fund the installation of an eco-toilet at the trailhead;
Nephin - to help improve a 150m section of the access route to the mountain;
Balla Town Park - to help upgrade Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail and loop walks within the park;
Tochar Phadraig - to upgrade an existing path that forms part of the pilgrimage at the walk.
Other projects that will receive funding through ORIS include;
€18,000 to the Bohola Walking and Cycling Hub for the completion of the hub to include seating, educational signage and and a viewing point;
€39,600 for the Kilmovee Heritage Loop to complete and further enhance the 6km route;
€39,903 to the Mayo Abbey Wetlands Development for the creation of pathways around an innovative wetland area with fencing, seating, and a viewing platform.
Under the Project Development Measure of the scheme, Minister Calleary allocated €50,000 to four projects. These include;
The Achill Greenway Hub - for the design of a gateway near the Michael Davitt Bridge to help enhance visitor experience and connectivity;
The Killala Harbour / Ross Walkway - to develop a plan that is ready for submission for a marine leisure amenity at Killala Harbour;
Portadoon Harbour in Inishturk - to develop a plan that includes an environmental scoping report for a marine leisure amenity;
Bowers Walk in Ballinarobe - to investigate ways to re-route the walk, including the funding of assessments and surveys.
Annoucning the funding earlier today, Minister Calleary said: ““Investment in the outdoors is so important to us all from a physical and mental health perspective. I am very happy to be making this announcement today which will see over a wide range of capital projects developed and delivered all across the country, adding to our already impressive outdoor recreation offering.”
Minister Alan Dillon TD said he was delighted to see the funding for projects in Mayo, and that the money will make a big difference for outdoor amenities in the county, helping to improve them for local families and visitors alike.
“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.”
He added: “I’m particularly delighted to see funding for the upgrade of the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail and loop walks within Balla town park, the development of a trail from the Titanic Park in Lahardane towards Nephin car park, upgrading of the existing path at the iconic pilgrimage Tochar Phádraig walk and assessments and surveys to re-route the popular Bowers Walk in Ballinrobe, all of which have provided so much joy for these communities over the years.”
Minister Dillon thanked community groups across Mayo who work incredibly hard to develop and enhance recreational amenities in the county, he encouraged everyone to “get out there and enjoy the incredible outdoor spaces Mayo has to offer”.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.