€90,000 funding provided for trail maintenance projects in Offaly

MINISTER Heather Humphrey has announced almost €90,000 for the Birr Municipal area as a funding allocation for recreational trail maintenance as part of the Outdoor Recreation Small Grants Scheme.

The three locations that will benefit from the funding include the Slieve Bloom Way and ancillary loops at Kinnitty & Cadamstown (€30,000), Offaly Way and ancillary loops at Lough Boora and Kilcormac (€30,000), and Lusmagh Heritage Bog Walk (€26,460).

Cllr John Clendennen has warmly welcomed the funding allocation stating, “since 2018 there has been an unprecedented level of multi million funding in biking and hiking trails across Offaly. it is critical that a consistent level of maintenance and repair funding is allocated to ensure the upkeep of trails, providing reassurance for all users of high safety standards and allowing people to enjoy the amenities to their full potential”.

The Councillor for the Birr Area also highlighted the benefit for both the local community and visitors to the area. “In recent years the use of trails has increased significantly, both from local communities using facilities for health and recreational purposes whilst also providing tourism development opportunities leading to new businesses and job creation.

“I want to acknowledge the support of Minister Humpreys for the Birr area under this scheme, it is important that there is a continued annual commitment to such a funding allocation, and I will continue to convey that message with the Minister as the opportunity arises,” concluded Cllr Clendennen.

Minister of State Pippa Hackett also welcomed the allocations. “I’m pleased to see €91,954 being invested in four Offaly projects and €180,000 in six Laois Projects under the latest round of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funding from Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. Along with the three projects mentioned above in Offaly, €5,494 has been allocated to replace decayed fencing posts on the Figile Walk.

“Offaly and Laois have so much to offer locals and visitors. We have fantastic outdoor amenities across both counties and this funding will help to extend those amenities; improving access to our Mountain trails and Bog, Forest, River and Lake walks.

“With Spring in the air, brighter evenings, and summer just round the corner, there’s no time like the present to get out and see what Rural Ireland has to offer,” she said.

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 – a perfect reason to go on that hike or cycle and enjoy the great outdoors.”