€540,000 national outdoor recreation funding for Mayo

THREE Mayo projects have been allocated funding under Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors - an ambitious and transformational national outdoor recreation strategy.

They are Downpatrick Head - trailhead improvements; Benwee Head - upgrade of Carrowteige coastal loop walks; and Old Head beach, Louisbugh - trailhead upgrades.

Each of the three projects has been allocated €180,000.

Said Deputy Michael Ring: "Embracing Ireland’s Outdoor is a five-year strategy, developed in partnership with Comhairle na Tuaithe, and is a collaborative cross-government strategy that reflects the views of stakeholders and the public. The new strategy will set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.

“We have tremendous amenities surrounding us such as forest parks, mountain trails, rivers, greenways and beaches. This strategy has been devised to develop Ireland’s outdoor recreation sector so we can deliver maximum benefits to communities across the country.”

Added Deputy Alan Dillon: “I am delighted for the three successful projects from Mayo.

“Spending time outdoors supports our mental and physical health and it improves our quality of life. There also huge economic benefits, particularly for rural communities.”