Waterford projects to be funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. €109,000 to be spent across 6 projects across the west of the county.
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh has given a warm welcome to the announcement of Waterford projects to be funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with an allocation of €109,000 to be spent across 6 projects across the west of the county.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (Monday, January 16th) announced a funding package of almost €3.2 million for the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways. The funding announced today, under Measure 1 of the Scheme, will support small-scale local projects with funding of up to €20,000 each.
Deputy Ó Cathasaigh believes these projects area valuable part of bolstering active tourism in West Waterford:
“We have a fantastic active tourism product developing in West Waterford alongside a vibrant food offering. With the Greenway and St. Declan’s Way serving as the cornerstone, these walks in Mellary and Ballysaggartmore, amongst others, add significantly to that offering.”
“This pandemic has shown us the importance of local outdoor amenity to communities, and it will be an important part of the recovery of our tourism sector as well. The funding allocated to these projects will open up tourism opportunities for rural communities while also providing the towns and villages with infrastructure for the locals to enjoy. Waterford is very well placed to capitalise on people’s new-found appreciation of our beautiful outdoors.”
This funding has being announced in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, who are co-funding the projects in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:
“There has been a notable increase in the number of people using our walking trails, cycleways, parks and other resources to exercise and keep fit, while respecting the guidelines on social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis.”
“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has provided investment for the development of new amenities and the enhancement of existing facilities since 2016 and that investment is now proving its worth as more and more people discover and appreciate the facilities available on their doorstep.”
“I want to acknowledge the support of our partners, Fáilte Ireland, who are once again co-funding the successful projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.”
