Leitrim outdoor amenities receive major funding boost of almost €800,000

Outdoor adventure projects right across Ireland will receive funding of almost €16 million encouraging the communities in Leitrim to enjoy the hidden gems on our doorsteps this summer, a Fine Gael Minister of State has said.

Deputy Frank Feighan has 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.

“I am thrilled to see this record level of funding for Co Leitrim which is a county that has so much to offer in terms of tourism offering and this further demonstrates my governments ambition of improving our walking and outdoor facilities for local people to enjoy their outdoors and walking opportunities in their local community,” declared Frank Feighan.

The Leitrim Co Council Projects announced today, June 4, include Drumshanbo Narrow Gauge Walking Trail PDM, along the route of the narrow/gauge railway with €401,231 allocated.

Lough Melvin Eco Park in Kinlough will receive a water activity hub through the upgrading, extension and repurposing of the old boathouse on the shores of the Lough, costing €198,900.

Parke’s Castle Car Park will get an upgrade to increase the access to Lough Gill, with €63,631 allocated for this purpose.

Sheemore will see the construction of a new Car Park worth €130,500 to allow visitors to safely access the historical and scenic Sheemore Hill.

Historic Irish Language Election Hustings at Glens Arts Centre

Four North Leitrim candidates discussed pressing issues as Gaeilge

Minister Humphrey’s in her statement said: "This investment announced today further underpins the Government’s commitment to developing our outdoor amenities as part of ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, the national outdoor recreation
strategy."

On the impact of today’s funding, Minister Humphreys stated: “This investment from my Department brings the overall allocation under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to over €129 million since the Scheme was first launched in 2016. 

“It is testament to the positive impact ‘Our Rural Future’ continues to have on communities all over Ireland and Government’s commitment to that policy. 

“The times of lock downs are thankfully behind us but those times gave us all an appreciation of what our stunning outdoors had to offer us for our mental and physical wellbeing. It gives me great satisfaction to see the work my Department does to ensure that our rural communities can benefit even more from what nature has to offer.

“Our world class outdoor amenities continue to make rural Ireland the place to be for adventure tourists as well as those who appreciate a more sedate pace of life. These projects are spread throughout the country, so everyone can avail of the outdoors."

Multi-agency effort sees injured goat rescued from 14th-century tower in Donegal

Baby goat is being treated for injuries following four-day ordeal in Greencastle

Minister Humphreys concluded by reiterating her commitment to supporting outdoor recreation: “The 69 projects that I am announcing today will be there for all of us, from all walks of life and all abilities. 

“These excellent projects will add to Ireland’s now large pool of world class amenities and will help to achieve the goals of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy – Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.

“I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to get out there and embrace our great outdoors and make the lived experience of our country better for us all.”