Galway and Cork lead the way with ORIS grant approvals
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced funding of almost €6 million to develop 200 outdoor projects across Rural Ireland. The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches across the country. As part of the approvals, almost €4.3 million will be used to improve some 163 outdoor amenities across the country, with almost €400,000 approved for 13 projects in Co Galway. Only Cork boasted more approvals with 15 projects.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said “The funding will support the further development of our greenways, blueways and hiking trails making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit. Some of these amenities are often hidden gems on our doorsteps so I’m encouraging people to get out and discover them over the rest of the Summer.”CEO of Galway Rural Development Steve Dolan welcomed the approvals. “Outdoor recreation tourism is a growing sector and has the potential to have major economic benefits for our rural towns and villages. In GRD, we’ve secured approvals for Mountbellew, the Hymany Way (Portumna to Ballygar) and the Shannon Riverside Walkway near Eyrecourt in approvals of almost €80,000. ”
“We’re particularly delighted with the announcement for Mountbellew where we’re supporting the Smart Villages initiative and the redevelopment of the Bellew Riverside Nature Park could be a huge asset for the town. The first step will be a feasibility study for planning and design works to ensure this outdoor recreation space is accessible for all, whilst also enhancing the biodiversity and promoting its enjoyment for local people. This is an important day for the Mountbellew team.”
Forum Connemara also benefitted from approvals of more than €55,000 for two projects, while Galway County Council secured funding of more than €250,000 for eight projects.
