Galway’s walkways are to be boosted to the tune of almost €1 million following the announcement of Government funding this week.
€435,250 has been approved for the upgrade of the Western Way trail with Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, saying this vital investment is needed to ensure that the trails capitalises on the natural and historic beauty of the setting, and would prove extremely popular for visitors on the Wild Atlantic Way.
“This route has proved very popular for local and tourists alike with its natural beauty well-known to most people from the area,” the Galway TD said.
“This investment will result in significant improvements, and will ensure that this wonderful facility is made accessible to an ever greater number of people,” she added.
“There has been large growth in the recreational tourism sector, and an increasing number of visitors to Ireland are particulary interested in walking, cycling and exploring natural settings and activities,” the Galway-based Minister said.
This substantial allocation was one of four Galway projects that received total funding of €929,200 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS ). The scheme finances the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as greenways and walking trails.
“The walks in Loughrea, will receive €200,000 to upgrade the present route, with an additional €200,000 allocated to develop the Creggs Mountain walk, an element of the Beara - Breifne & Suck Valley Way. Finally, Killarainy Woods trail in Moycullen, is being allocated €103,950 to enhance the route.
“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme contributes to the Government’s objective of strengthening rural economies. The objective of the Scheme is to provide funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural Ireland,” she concluded.
