Substantial grant for upgrade works at Mayo's Downpatrick Head

A grant of €180,000 from the government's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) has been announced today by the Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphries, for upgrade works at the car park/trail head at Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle.

Commenting on the announcement, local Fine Gael Councillor Jarlath Munnelly said this was a very welcome development for the area.

He explained that this is an important step in the proposal to create a world class coastal walkway between Downpatrick Head and Céide on the north Mayo coast, on which more progress will be made in the new year.

“This car park at Downpatrick Head will function as a trail head for this proposed iconic coastal walkway, and is an important first step,” Councillor Munnelly stated.

“In the new year, Mayo County Council will progress the planning permission for the walkway itself, and once that is resolved I will be pushing for further funding, such as that announced today, to complete this project.”