€66,500 funding boost for 35 walking trails in Mayo

FUNDING of €66,500 has been announced to support 35 walking trails in Mayo.

Under the initiative, some 17 community groups will receive grants ranging from €1,500 to €35,000 for the development and upgrade of their local trails.

The allocations are:

Achill Tourism €2,500

Brickens Greenway €2,500

Clare Lake / McMahon Park Development Committee €1,500

Claremorris Chamber of Commerce €1,500

Clogher Environmental Group €25,000

Coiste Forbartha Chill Dawnait €2,500

Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teoranta €4,000

Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile €4,000

Cross Loop Committee €4,000

Dooagh Loop Walk Committee €1,500

Keenagh Community Development €4,000

Kilmaine Village Enhancement Group €2,500

Martin Neary Woodland Park - Management Group €1,500

Moygownagh Community Centre €4,000

Murrisk Development Association €2,500

North Mayo Heritage Committee €1,500

The Valley Slí Tóin a tSeanbhaile Group / Féile Tóin an tSean Bhaile €1,500

Welcoming the funding, Deputy Michael Ring said: “In Mayo, we are fortunate to have such committed community organisations, and I am delighted that this funding will support them to maintain and upgrade the walking trails.

“This will allow for crucial investment to be made in the walking trails, including the purchase of important equipment, or carrying out small scale maintenance works.

“The funding will also support the promotion of the trails as tourist attractions, which will provide a welcome economic boost for the wider communities across Mayo.”

Minister of State Alan Dillon said this is a major boost for communities across the county.

He commented: “Walkways and trails are a blessing for communities in Mayo, providing an outlet to get fresh air, exercise, connect with neighbours and friends and boost our mental wellbeing.

“We all became so familiar with these walking trails during Covid lockdowns, and there is no doubting their valuable contribution to Mayo’s towns and villages.”