Outdoor adventure projects right across Ireland will receive funding of almost €6 million encouraging the community in Cork to enjoy the hidden gems on our doorsteps this summer.
North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea welcomed the news from Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. The funding falls under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing our outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes, and beaches.
Cllr. O’Shea said: “This funding will develop 200 outdoor adventure projects across rural Ireland will attract visitors to mountain trails, forest walks, rivers, lakes and beaches.
“It will also provide a major boost to local economies by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation in Cork as a destination for adventure tourism. Almost €4.3 million will be used to improve some 163 outdoor amenities across the country. Each project will receive up to €30,000 to support their enhancement.
“Outdoor activities in Cork play a key role in communities and we have seen this throughout the recent pandemic. Recreation tourism is growing internationally and has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for our rural towns and villages.
“Funding will also be invested in 37 outdoor projects that are now at the early stages of development, these projects will receive up to €50,000. Funding for larger scale projects under Measures 2 and 3 of the scheme will be announced by Minister Humphreys in the coming weeks.
Minister Humphreys added: “Every county will benefit from today’s announcement so if you’re a walker, a swimmer, a cyclist or even a fisherman – check out the list to see what’s happening in your county. Getting active in the fresh air outdoors can be a tonic for the body and soul and this was brought home to us all during the pandemic. 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”, Minister Humphreys concluded.
Additional Info:
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding as follows:
Measure 1: Small scale repair/development/promotion and marketing (up to €30,000 grant available)
Measure 2: Medium scale upgrade and new trail/amenity development (up to €200,000 grant available)
Measure 3: Large scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development (up to €500,000 grant available)
Project Development Measure: Development costs for strategic large scale Measure 2 or Measure 3 type projects eg detailed design, preparation for the planning and/or procurement, appropriate assessment etc. (up to €50,000 grant available).
Funding of up to 90% of the total approved project costs is awarded, with the additional 10% to be provided from other sources. Further announcements expected on Measure 2 (medium-scale), Measure 3 (large-scale) before the end of the year.
Details of Measure 1 projects and Project Development Measures announced today are available at www.gov.ie
The Cork projects being funded under Measure 1 include:
|
€ 171,132 |
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Cork |
Analeentha Greenway, Mallow |
Upgrade Analeethna Walk and Cycle Greenway |
Cork County Council |
€ 30,000 |
Bandon – Castlebernard Loop Walk (PDM) |
Bandon – Castlebernard Loop Walk Examine route options / preliminary design |
Cork County Council |
€ 49,500 |
|
Bandon Walkway |
Bandon Walkway Former West Cork Railway (west of Bandon-pathway clearance) |
Cork County Council |
€ 30,000 |
|
Blackwater Way Ballard, Kilworth, |
Reroute of the Blackwater Way through Ballard, Kilworth/ trail upgrade |
Avondhu Blackwater |
€ 27,000 |
|
Blackwater Way Knockananig, Fermoy |
link the Knockananig Reservoir walk with the Blackwater Way (Avondhu) |
Avondhu Blackwater |
€ 27,000 |
|
Fastnet Trails |
Linking the Fastnet Trails to the Sheep’s Head Way |
West Cork Development Partnership |
€ 5,560 |
|
Fountainstown, Carrigaline |
Improve access for water sports, & landscaping at Fountainstown, Carrigaline |
Cork County Council |
€ 30,000 |
|
Garryvoe, Ballycotton |
Garryvoe Beach: Measures increasing biodiversity, provision of seating |
Cork County Council |
€ 30,000 |
|
Kiskeam Walking Trail -Phase 2 |
Upgrades to Duhallow Way |
IRD Duhallow |
€ 30,000 |
|
Knockananig, Fermoy |
Upgrade section of the Blackwater Avondhu Way walking trail at Knockananig, Fermoy |
Cork County Council |
€ 30,000 |
|
Mares Tail Waterfall Trail, Adrigole Beara |
To develop a 15 km linear walking trail to the Mare’s Tail waterfall in Adrigole, Beara |
West Cork Development Partnership |
€ 28,080 |
|
Slatty Pond |
Carrigtwohill town centre to Slatty Pond- Direct pedestrian link |
Cork County Council |
€ 30,000 |
|
Tragumna, Castlehaven |
Works to enhance accessibility at Tragumna Beach, Castlehaven |
Cork County Council |
€ 30,000 |
|
Upgrade Duhallow Way |
Upgrade The Duhallow Way, The Paps Loopwalk (Shrone) & Clara Loop Walk (Millstreet) |
IRD Duhallow |
€ 30,000 |
|
Walks Upgrade |
Upgrades to Bolomore Way & James O Keeffe Walkway Linking the Fastnet Trails to the Sheep’s Head |
IRD Duhallow |
€ 30,000 |
|
Cork Total |
€ 437,140 |