Over €360,000 to ‘enhance’ and ‘improve’ ten outdoor recreational facilities across Laois

Over €360,000 has been awarded to ten projects in Laois to “enhance” and “improve” outdoor recreational facilities across the county.

The ten projects will receive a total of €362,325, with the largest investment being €50,000 in Castletown all the way down to €8,415 in Durrow.

The funding will be used to “invest in recreational facilities” such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based amenities and mountain access routes.

The €362,325 is part of a €8.7 million invested nationwide towards 221 projects as part of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy – Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.

The ten Laois projects are as follows:

Nore Amenity Area, Castletown, €50,000 – Prepare a plan to develop a hub for multi-use outdoor recreation include ecological services, design and preparation of planning.

Abbeyleix Vitality Hub, €40,000 – Provision of a trailhead in Fr Breen Park that will link existing walks in the area.

Fossy Looped Walk, €40,000 – Resurfacing of 1km of trail along the Fossey Loop Walk and developing an accessible route to waterfall.

Kilminchy Lakes Walking Trail, Phase 2, €40,000 – Install 700m of pathway for the use of joggers, walkers, wheelchair and buggy users.

SVT Activity and Wellness Hub, Barrow Blueway, €40,000 – Installing equipment storage container and 4 e-bikes and an
accessible bike passenger unit and e-bike charging unit.

Cullohill Mountain, €39,600 –  Upgrade works on looped walks, including infrastructure improvements, environmental enhancements, and safety measures.

Slieve Bloom Way, €39,600 – Maintenance and essential repair work on the Slieve Bloom Way and its ancillary loops.

Laois Walks Committee, €32,400 – Provision of a dedicated County Laois trails website.

Carrigmeal Trail, Phase 4 – €32,310 – Upgrade works to the Corrigmeal woodland trail including upgrade of surfaces, fencing and website development.

Erkina River Bank and Durrow Leafy Looop Trails, €8,415 – Ugrade of signage, addition of information board along the Erkina riverbank walking trail and Bishop’s Wood section of the Durrow Leafy Loop.

Local Fine Gael TD Willie Aird welcomed the news, saying he is “delighted” with the funding.

“This funding will provide a major boost to the local economy by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation as a destination for adventure tourism,” Deputy Aird said.

“This new funding is going to make a big difference for outdoor amenities in our County, making them even better for local families and visitors alike. It’s so important to get out and make the most of what our outdoors has to offer.

“I want to thank the community groups across County Laois who work so hard to develop and enhance recreational amenities in our local community.

“These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I really encourage everyone to get out there and make the most of our outdoor spaces.”

Laois Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming said the ten projects “will enhance walking trails at a number of locations throughout the County.”

Deputy Fleming said the funding “will make a significant difference” in the various locations awarded funding.

“When we visit these recreational spaces around Laois we can see the positive effect of the investment in these places,” he said.

“These recreational projects have a major positive impact on the wellbeing of the local community and all people who visit these areas and they are also a boost to local tourism and business.

“It is important to continue investment in rural Ireland to enhance these areas and this funding will showcase what our lovely Laois has to offer.”

SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Laois County Council announce €550,000 upgrade of cycle and walking tracks in Durrow