The Government has opened a call for applications for €14 million in funding for outdoor recreation projects and investment that will support the adventure tourism sector in rural communities.
Mayo-based Fianna Fáil Senator, Lisa Chambers, is encouraging Mayo applicants to apply for the fund that will support outdoor adventure activities in the county.
The funding, which is being provided under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme, will support the key objectives of Our Rural Future - the Government’s ambitious new policy for Rural Ireland.
The focus of the funding is to develop rural Ireland’s unique natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits and adventure activities, such as hiking/mountaineering, cycling, horse-riding, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, surfing, sailing, rock-climbing, fishing, paragliding and hang-gliding.
The fund will provide for significant investment in the development of outdoor trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways, tidal pools, floating boardwalks and bridleways.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider opportunities to develop recreational amenities and increase public access and enjoyment of rural Ireland’s mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and bogs.
Senator Chambers commented: "Covid-19 has given us all a renewed appreciation for our great outdoors. Through this fund, it will allow us to develop our fantastic natural amenities in Mayo so that people can access them and enjoy them.
"This funding announcement is aimed at supporting outdoor recreation tourism, a growing tourism sector internationally, which has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for rural towns and villages across Mayo as well as improving the health and well-being of rural communities."
