€500k funding to extend major Louth outdoor project

€500k in funding has been allocated to the Boyne Greenway to enhance and extend the North Bank including widening, resurfacing and relining of paths and installation of lighting.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced €16.5 million to deliver 63 projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

The funding announced is in respect of Measures 2 and 3 of the scheme which provides funding of up to €500,000 for strategic repair and maintenance of existing facilities together with the development of new recreational infrastructure.

Speaking today, Minister Calleary said:

“I am delighted to make this significant funding announcement today for outdoor recreational facilities. This investment will further enhance these spaces which not only act as recreational and social spaces for our communities but also add greatly to our tourism sector.

“Today’s announcement, on Clare Island, will see a wide range of capital projects delivered across the country covering walking and cycling trails, upland paths, and enhancements in water-based activities. This is all further delivering on the objectives of our national outdoor recreation strategy Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.”

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The 63 projects announced today are in addition to the 221 projects announced by Minister Calleary in August. The funding allocated under the 2024/2025 programme now stands at over €25.27 million, the largest approval to date under ORIS.

Minister Calleary concluded by saying:

“The funding for the project that I have announced for Clare Island will see upgrade works on the existing path so that the Clewbay bike trail can be extended further into the island. This project is the outcome of true collaboration between many stakeholders, and indeed it is investment that supports a number of my department’s objectives.”