Cork outdoor recreation projects receive ‘major boost' of more than €600,000 in funding
The overall fund is worth €8.7m and will cover 221 projects across Ireland including walking trails, cycleways, water-based amenities and mountain access routes.
Fine Gael senator Eileen Lynch said she is 'delighted' to see the investment in outdoor projects in Cork.
'When projects are delivered, this funding will provide a major boost to the local economy by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation as a destination for adventure tourism,' Senator Lynch said.
The Macroom-based senator said she is particularly delighted to see funding for IRD Duhallow and Cork County Council as these bodies 'provided so much joy for the community over the years.'
'This new funding is going to make a big difference for outdoor amenities in Cork, making them even better for local families and visitors alike. It's so important to get out and make the most of what our outdoors has to offer.
'I want to thank the community groups across Cork who work so hard to develop and enhance recreational amenities in our local community.
'These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I really encourage everyone to get out there and enjoy the incredible outdoor spaces Cork has to offer', Senator Lynch concluded.
ORIS provides funding in three separate measures.
Measure 1 offers funding up €40,000 at a 90pc rate of aid for small scale repair/development/promotion or marketing.
Maximum six applications can be submitted by each local authority and three applications can be submitted by each local development company.
Measure 2 offers funding up to €200,000 at a 90pc rate of aid for medium scale repairs/upgrade and a new trails/amenity development.
Maximum three applications can be made by each local authority and one application can be submitted per local development company or state body.
Measure 3 offers funding up to €500,000 at a 90pc rate of aid for large scale repair/upgrade and or new strategic trail/amenity development.
Local authorities and State bodies can submit one application each under this Measure.
11 Cork projects received funding under Measure 1.
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG received €31,050 to develop a car park and upgrade Ballard trail. The partnership also received €29,700 for Blackwater Way map boards and €31,505 for repairs along the Blackwater Way.
Cork County Council received €40,000 to replace fencing between Belgooly walkway and Riverstick Estuary. The funding will also cover the installation of benches and street furniture.
The local authority also received €40,000 for sea swimming infrastructure for east Cork beaches and €37,800 for sea swimming infrastructure on Great Island.
The council also received €40,000 for upgrade works at Seefin car park on the Duhallow Way.
IRD Duhallow CLG received a total of €120,000 for upgrade works in the area.
West Cork Development Partnership received €40,000 for development of a new walking trail that connects Ballingeary village to Drom an Ailigh to Ceim Chorrbhualle.
Four projects received approval from the Project Development Measure.
Cork County Council received two separate allocations of €49,950, for works on Abbey Pier on Sherkin Island and the development of Skibbereen Recreation and Amenity Park.
IRD Duhallow received €50,000 to map and screen off-road sections of the Beara-Breifne Way.
SECAD Partnership CLD received €49.500 to carry out assessment surveys for the Ballycotton Cliff Walk in East Cork.
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