€895,000 funding for four outdoor infrastructure projects in Mayo
MINISTER of State Alan Dillon has welcomed funding of €895,974 announced for four outdoor recreation projects across Mayo.
The projects are as follows:
Wild Atlantic Way Céide Coastal Path - €200,000 for the development of 1.5km of coastal path along the iconic Céide Coast linking the Céide Fields Neolithic site to the Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point at Downpatrick Head.
Raheen Wood Biodiversity Trail - €200,000 for the development of the trail to adjoin the existing woodland trail. The trail will include a raised board walk or pathways through biodiversity areas, which will include areas for bike parking, seating, recreation and education.
Martin Neary Woodland Trails - €200,000 to expand the existing trailhead in Charlestown to allow for additional parking, extend the width of the existing paths to allow for multi-access use and to upgrade them to a tarmacadam finish together with the installation of bollards, gates signage, picnic tables, bike parking, fencing and landscaping.
Belmullet Tidal Pool - €295,974 for upgrading and improving the visitor and user experience to Mayo’s only coastal outdoor tidal pool, located in north Mayo.
The funding has been announced by Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development.
Minister Dillon said he was delighted that this significant funding would be used to upgrade and improve access to these four various projects across the county.
“The scheme invests in the physical infrastructure that underpins our recreational activities based on the use of the resources across our beautiful countryside. These walkways, pathways and swimming areas contribute to healthy active lifestyles while also building on the economic and tourism potential for our county. They are to the benefit of both local communities and tourist visitors alike.
“It includes further progress on the 16km Wild Atlantic Way Céide Coastal Path, tenders for which are now being sought to prepare preliminary concept and designs for the construction of 11 bridges, safety fencing, gates and stiles along with improvement of the underfoot conditions for the coastal path.
“It also includes the expansion of pathways and trails at Raheens Woods in Castlebar and the Martin Neary Woodland Trails in Charlestown, which are already growing recreational and tourism trails. Ireland’s only outdoor tidal pool will also get a funding boost to enhance its tourism potential in north Mayo.
“More than ever people are getting active in the outdoors and this funding will make sure that these access points are upgraded and maintained to a high quality and offer a positive experience for locals and tourists who use them.”
Also welcoming the funding, Deputy Michael Ring stated: “The benefits of the outdoors to people’s wellbeing can not be overstated.
“The funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides vital opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.”
Welcoming the news of the allocation to Raheen Woods, Castlebar, local Councillor Ger Deere said: "This is fantastic news.
The funding will be used for the development of a biodiversity trail under the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
"The new trail will adjoin the existing woodland trail. It will include a raised boardwalk or pathway through biodiversity areas. It will also include areas for bike parking, seating, recreation and education.
"This popular amenity that is used by hundred of people ever day, will add to the walks at Lough Lannagh
"Over the last five years, I was delighted to have worked and supported the progressive community in Islandeady and hopefully if I get the privilege to be elected again next Saturday, I will continue that support.
"Well done to the walks committee of Islandeady Community Council for the work on the application and to Joanne Grehan, Head of Tourism, and Anna Connor, Tourism Development, Mayo County Council, and Minister Dillion."