Almost €1m in funding allocated to develop three new trails and roadside paths in Wexford

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Almost €1m in funding has been allocated to develop three new roadside trails and paths in Co Wexford.

The funding, which is provided by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will see a roadside path constructed from The Lobster Pot restaurant to Carne (€500,000), a 1km trail built between Wellingtonbridge and The Little Sea viewing area (€200,000), and a roadside trail constructed from Coolgreany to Ballyfad Woods (€197,416).

Welcoming the funding for the trail in Coolgreany, Councillor Joe Sullivan said he and council officials had worked “extremely hard” to secure funding for that project.

"Myself and my fellow elected representatives, along with the council officials, welcome the funding for these works which, upon their completion, will enhance the infrastructure of Coolgreany and provide a fantastic amenity for both the local community and those visiting the area,” said the Gorey councillor and cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council.

Minister for Housing, and Wexford TD, James Browne, said the three projects are at “the heart of local life and provide vital recreational and social spaces. They are places where communities gather and connect, and it is essential that we protect and sustain them so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“This investment will further enhance these amenities, encouraging more people to use them and helping to strengthen community life. This is a great opportunity to remind everyone of the wonderful outdoor amenities we have here in Wexford. We should make the most of them and continue to cherish them. This funding will help ensure that many more people can enjoy these spaces for years to come.”

The three Wexford projects are joined by 60 others nationwide in an overall investment of €16.5m for outdoor recreational facilities. Announcing the funding, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said his investment will further enhance these spaces which “not only act as recreational and social spaces for our communities but also add greatly to our tourism sector.

“Today’s announcement will see a wide range of capital projects delivered across the country covering walking and cycling trails, upland paths, and enhancements in water-based activities. This is all further delivering on the objectives of our national outdoor recreation strategy Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.”