Community groups responsible for managing walking trails will be the beneficiaries of Government funding announced recently, local Fine Gael Senator, Aisling Dolan, has said..
“Trail walking is a great activity for families to enjoy the great outdoors and explore our hidden gems as the summer season progresses. These trails also attract visitors to small businesses in our rural towns.
“The community groups can use this funding to maintain, improve and promote its use to locals and visitors. This vital work is done by the groups which are known as Community Trail Management Organisations.
“I really look forward to work starting on the Roscommon side of Shannonbridge all around the fortifications there which date back to Napoleonic times. Shannonbridge is such a popular scenic spot for lunch and tourists arriving by boat and so close to community of Athlone. These walks will be a boost to local community and tourism in the area and also great to have a café and craft shop open at the Fort. Well done to the Shannonbridge Action Group and volunteers here.
“Community Trail Management Organisations are registered with Sport Ireland and work in conjunction with Roscommon County Council, Coillte and the Local Development Company (LDC ) in maintaining their local trails. Also to pay tribute to Ronan Bilbow, Rural Recreation Officer with Roscommon Leader Partnership working with community groups,” Senator Dolan asserted.
