Several outdoor recreation projects in County Sligo are to avail of grants of €30,000 under the latest Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funding announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today, Thursday, 28 March.

The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillr Gerard Mullaney commented on the funding received:

"This funding is a significant boost to our community, allowing us to enhance our natural landscapes and provide improved recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. We are grateful for this investment, which recognizes the value of outdoor activities and the positive impact they have on our physical and mental well-being. These projects will not only contribute to the economic growth of our region but also promote a healthy and active lifestyle."

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“With summer just a couple of months away, I’m really pleased to announce over €4.1 million to develop over 150 outdoor recreation projects right across Rural Ireland.

“The investment I’m announcing today will greatly enhance the natural amenities right on our doorstep - from our walkways, mountain trails and forest walks, to our cycleways, beaches and rivers.

“I believe the projects receiving funding today will play an important role in attracting more visitors to our rural towns and villages.

“So my big message as Minister today is to get out and explore those hidden gems in your community. The clocks are going forward this weekend – a perfect reason to go on that hike or cycle and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Minister Humphreys continued:

“The Government’s Rural Development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’ and the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, have together set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.

“The health benefits from engaging in outdoor activity combined with the economic and social benefits that can be achieved by this investment for rural Ireland, will no doubt serve us well in to the future. 

“That is why I am making this funding available today and I look forward to making further announcement for larger scale investment in this sector in the coming weeks.”

 

Lead Partner	Project Name	Project Description	Amount
Sligo County Council	Sligo Walks Promotion	Enhanced media marketing and promotion for Sligo Walks	€30,000
Sligo County Council	Queen Maeve Trail Knocknarea Boardwalk Repairs	Refurbishment works along the eastern route of Queen Maeve Trail	€30,000
Sligo County Council	Knocknashee Trail Repairs	Upgrading and rehabilitation of the access trail to Knocknashee summit	€30,000
Sligo County Council	Carns Hill Extension	Extension of the existing Carns Hill recreational walking trail	€30,000
Sligo County Council	Raghly Loop Trail Upgrade	Enhancement works along the Raghly Loop Trail	€30,000
Sligo County Council	Maugheraboy Viewing Point	Creation of a trail at Maughearboy	€30,000
County Sligo LEADER Partnership	Ballymote Town Loop	Installation of lighting along Ballymote Loop Trail	€30,000