More than €500,000 in Government funding has been secured for the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure in Galway, including greenways, a mountain bike trail, and an angling location.
The funding will be used to upgrade the Derroura Mountain Bike Trail near Oughterard, as well as a 10km walking trail at Cappahoosh in Connemara. Two bridges will also be replaced on the Western Way route at Oughterard and Leenane, while improvements will also be made on the Eurovelo cycling route from Leenane to Kinvara.
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Infrastructure at a popular angling location in Claregalway will be enhanced as part of a separate €500,000 investment in four fishing spots across the country, improving safety and accessibility.
Fine Gael Galway West TD and Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton, has welcomed the funding. “We were already seeing a significant shift towards recreation tourism,”she said, “but Covid-19 has accentuated that trend. It’s important we’re in a position to respond and be well-placed to avail of opportunities in this area in the post-pandemic period.”
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Fine Gael Galway West TD and Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton.
Minister Naughton said this was a “particularly important development” from the point of view of rural and remote areas which traditionally have not benefited from tourism “to the same extent as cities” and established attractions.
“The demand for outdoor pursuits, recreation, and nature will see visitors and tourism revenue dispersed more widely,” she said, “which is very positive for rural parts of Galway.”
Minister Naughton said another funding call for proposals under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is expected to be launched shortly.
