New kayaking facility for Tipperary following funding announcement
Tipperary is set to get a new white water kayaking facility under a funding allocation from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Almost €270,000 has been awarded to projects across Tipperary to support the development of outdoor recreational infrastructure.
Under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), €269,825 was allocated to Tipperary for seven projects to enhance the recreational offering that the county has to offer.
The largest allocation was for the Suir Island Whitewater Channel (Millrace) in Clonmel, which received €50,000 in funding for the re-watering of an old millrace channel on Suir Island for the development of recreational white water kayaking and specialist rescue training.
This project had been mentioned in the Suir Island Masterplan, with Tipperary County Council and Tipperary Sports Partnership coming together to reimagine how the Suir Island area could be revitalised.
The re-watering of the the millrace “could serve as a safe launching spot for kayak and boat renters or for children’s boating as well as providing a shorter route for slalom course users to return to the start of the slalom course,” the masterplan stated.
Elsewhere in the county, the Cahir Loop Walkway was allocated €39,600 for excavation and surfacing of 950m road verge on a popular walking route, while the High Kings Loop Walkway in Cashel was allocated €37,800 for construction of a new 400m section of footpath as a safety measure as part of the Kings Loop.
The newly-opened Littleton Labyrinth was given €30,825 for the development of a car park, and the Tipperary Heritage Way Footbridge project was allocated €39,600 to refurbish the existing pedestrian footbridge allowing walkers on the St Declan’s Way trail to traverse the river Tar safely.
Trail the Vales was given €36,000 in order to create a series of ten short-form videos for use on digital platforms highlighting the Munster Vales region, while new water refill stations will be added to locations on the Suir Blueway from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir.
€36,000 was allocated for this project, which will see water refill stations installed at Careys Slip and Kilsheelan.
ORIS supports the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland.
Eamon Lonergan, Deputy Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council said that the funding will help to promote sustainable tourism across the county.
"Tipperary County Council welcomes the allocation of €269,825 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme with sincere appreciation. This investment will significantly enhance the county’s recreational amenities, promote sustainable tourism, and contribute meaningfully to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
"Some of the supported projects also reflect our strategic commitment to the development and preservation of Tipperary's natural and cultural assets,” Mr Lonergan added.