Major funding boost for Wicklow’s mountains, forests and coastal walks
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council has been allocated over €1 million in funding for new and upgraded outdoor recreation projects across the county.
The funding relates to Measure 2 and Measure 3 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund Scheme which focuses on larger-scale projects that involve upgrading paths and creating new mountain trails and forest walks.
A total of three projects with funding of €819,900 have been approved for Wicklow County Council to implement throughout the county in 2025.
€180,900 has been allocated for Russelstown Link with the creation of a link trail from the N81 at Russborough to Russelstown Forest and the existing Blessington Greenway.
€445,500 has been ringfenced for Djouce Mountain Trail construction and habitat restoration, while €193,500 will be used for Glen Turn Cliff Walk, to upgrade the surface of the existing coastal trail.
Additionally, a further Measure 2 project has been approved for County Wicklow Partnership in the amount of €194,580.
The three Wicklow projects are in addition to the four Measure 1 and one Project Development Measure projects announced in August.
In total, 12 ORIS projects have been awarded to County Wicklow by the Department for 2024.
€16.5m has been allocated to 63 projects around the country, and include walking trails, mountain access projects, and outdoor water-based amenities.
Damian Clarke, park manager at Wicklow Mountains National Park said the the funding allocation for Djouce Mountain was positive news.
“This is a popular walking route within Wicklow Mountains National Park,” he said. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in Wicklow County Council on the much-needed trail and habitat works on Djouce.”
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Melanie Corrigan paid tribute to the groups who submitted applications.
“The funding will facilitate the successful completion of outdoor recreation projects across Wicklow, made possible through the strong community engagement and collaboration with our many stakeholders,” she said.
Meanwhile Wicklow TD Edward Timmins said the funding allocation will have a positive influence on local communities.
“This is more than just infrastructure; it will improve lives in Wicklow. These projects will give people greater access to nature, recreation and community spaces to support physical and mental wellbeing.”
The 63 projects are in addition to the 221 projects announced in August.
The funding allocated under the 2024/2025 programme now stands at over €24.7 million, the largest approval to date under the scheme.