Over €400k in Funding to Enhance Outdoor Amenities in Cork County

Funding of just over €400,000 for outdoor projects in Cork County will strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Cork, North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has said.

Cllr. O’Shea was speaking as funding was announced under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), which is used to enhanced outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

Cllr. O’Shea said: “Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, has announced this funding today, and I am delighted to confirm that €410,584 has been awarded to Cork for work on 15 projects located right across the County.

“When ultimately delivered, this funding will provide a major boost to the local economy by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation as a destination for adventure tourism. The projects, which are being delivered nationwide, will receive funding of up to €30,000 with a focus on small scale enhancements, upgrades and repairs. This effort is also reflective of Fine Gael’s dedication to fostering stronger communities and enhancing our rural towns and villages in Cork County so that people can work, live and raise their families”.

Cllr. O’Shea added “The Government’s Rural Development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’, has enabled record investment in our outdoor amenities at a level never before seen in Ireland. This funding will be invested in 151 outdoor recreation projects, bringing the total number of projects funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, since its establishment in 2017, to almost 1,600 nationwide.

“This new funding is going to make a big difference for outdoor amenities in Cork, making them even better for local families and visitors alike. We’re now heading into warmer days, it’s more important than ever to get out and make the most of what our countryside has to offer this summer.”

“I really encourage everyone to get out there and enjoy the incredible outdoor spaces Cork County has to offer. Let’s make the most of the great outdoors and all the adventures waiting for us,” concluded Cllr. O’Shea.