Funding of €236,877 has been awarded to Mayo for seven outdoor recreation infrastructure projects, under measure one of the 2022 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, which provides investment ranging from €30,000 for small scale projects.
The following seven Mayo projects were successful: (1 ) Ballina Quay: Upgrade access to Ballina Quay - €27, 000, (2 ) Clare Lake Trailhead (Claremorris ): Extend the existing trailhead at Clare Lake, Land of the Giants & Mc Mahon Park Trails - €29,624, (3 ) Carrowmore Beach Trail (Louisburgh ); Identify route to connect Louisburgh Town with Carrowmore Beach - €49,500, (4 ) Mullaghroe Blue Flag Beach (Belmullet ): Trailhead Improvements to Mullaghroe Beach- €27,000, (5 ) Raheen Woods (Castlebar ): Raheen Woods upgrade and enhancement works to the trailhead - €28,153, (6 ) Erris Seaside Walk: To develop a walk around the Mullet Peninsula €48,600 and (7 ) Tullaghan Loop Walks (Bangor Erris ): Upgrade community loop walks - €27.000.
Fine Gael Deputy Alan Dillon congratulated the successful applicants, saying: "The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has been crucial to the development of the recreation facilities enjoyed by growing numbers of locals and tourists in rural areas in recent years.
"These facilities are now more important than ever, designed to benefit the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they are located, and I am delighted that the seven projects in Mayo have been successful.
"We have wonderful mountain trails, forest walks, bogs, beaches, rivers and walking trails across Mayo for our local communities to enjoy as well as drawing visitors to our towns and villages which will help support the rural economy.
"As a rural county so reliant on tourism, it is vital that we continue to invest and adapt in what we have to offer to those coming to visit our county. We have a strong product to offer but increasingly, we are looking at our more niche tourism amenities to attract visitors in – but equally, these facilities are a wonderful offering for those of us living locally.
"Well done to Mayo County Council and everyone involved in their project applications and for the work they undertake in their communities which are enjoyed by so many."
Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo, Dara Calleary, also welcomed €236,877 in funding for a number of projects in Mayo as part of the government’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Deputy Calleary commented: "Seven projects in County Mayo will receive a total grant-aid of €236,877. These projects will enhance existing outdoor recreation facilities and help to develop new amenities which will be an important resource for local communities and visitors to our region. Easy access to outdoor amenities in every community is beneficial for all age groups."
The Mayo TD added: "I compliment Mayo County Council and the efforts of those who have worked together to bring these projects to this stage. The commitment of local community groups throughout is critical to the success of this scheme."
