Funding of €90,000 towards amenity projects in Portlick and Portaneena will strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector at both locations, local Fine Gael councillor John Dolan stated this week.
Councillor John Dolan was speaking to the Athlone Advertiser following an allocation under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS ), the funds from which are used to enhance outdoor amenities such as walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.
“Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Heather Humphreys, has announced this recent funding and I am delighted to confirm that approximately €90,000 has been awarded to Westmeath County Council towards enhancement works at Portaneena and improving signage and walking trails at Portlick.
“When ultimately delivered, this funding will provide a major boost to the local economy by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation as a destination for adventure tourism.
“The projects, which are being delivered nationwide, will receive funding of up to €30,000 with a focus on small scale enhancements, upgrades and repairs.
“This effort is also reflective of Fine Gael's dedication to fostering stronger communities and enhancing our rural towns and villages in Westmeath so that people can work, live and raise their families in the county.
“Government’s Rural Development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’, has enabled record investment in our outdoor amenities at a level never before seen in Ireland. This funding will be invested in 151 outdoor recreation projects, bringing the total number of projects funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, since its establishment in 2017, to almost 1,600 nationwide.
“This new funding is going to make a big difference for outdoor amenities in Westmeath, making them even better for local families and visitors alike. We’re now heading into warmer days, it’s more important than ever to get out and make the most of what our countryside has to offer this summer.”
“I really encourage everyone to get out there and enjoy the incredible outdoor spaces Westmeath has to offer. Let’s make the most of the great outdoors and all the adventures waiting for us,” Cllr Dolan remarked.
