Dún na Sí Heritage Park in Moate is one of a number of outdoor recreational amenities in Westmeath to receive funding, it was confirmed this week.
Funding of €126,000 has been allocated to the popular local community amenity to improve the on site facilities and further enhance its appeal to visitors within the Midlands region.
“Amid the pandemic, it is even more important that we have outdoor facilities to afford people an opportunity to get outdoors, exercise and spend time taking in their amenities.
“In Moate, all locals will be familiar with the fantastic tourist attraction and that is Dún na Sí Heritage Park. The funding allocated this week will be used to improve, repair and extend the outdoor path system and improve the equipment and toilet facilities. This will benefit locals and tourists alike as we re-open our county over the summer months. Minister Humphreys has visited Moate on a number of occasions in her various Ministries and I know she is fully supportive of Dún na Sí and all the staff she has met there over the years.
“Meanwhile, Scragh Bog, one of our hidden treasures just on the outskirts of Mullingar, has received €169,723 to extend the existing walking and cycle trail to link from Cullion-Levington to Scragh Bog. The existing small carpark will be repaired and expanded.
“I will continue to work with Minister for Rural and Community Affairs Heather Humphreys to support funding of such worthwhile projects here in Westmeath. I must also commend Cllr Tom Farrell in Moate who supported these projects being put forward for consideration by Westmeath County Council. I believe it is vital that we continue to build resilience in rural communities and make our towns, villages and communities vibrant places for families to live.
“We have seen the value of outdoor pursuits over the last 12 months. Spring is upon us and summer is approaching and these facilities will be much used and appreciated by all,” Deputy Burke asserted.
