Latest news with #OutdoorRecreationInfrastructureScheme
Irish Independent
18 hours ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Swimmers and walkers to benefit as €300,000 allocated to Wicklow projects
The eight projects include enhancement works on walking and cycling trails, facilities for swimmers, improvements to signage, provision of parking and trail furniture, improvements to accessibility and support for the marketing and promotion of outdoor recreational facilities. Among the projects being funded is a strategy and work plan to ensure accessibility for walking, cycling and water access for the disabled community with an allocation worth just under €50,000. €23,400 will be spent on evaluating the degradation of upland paths and the correlation of footfall and rainfall and their impact. €36,450 has been ringfenced to replace signage on road crossings throughout the Wicklow Way Just under €40,000 has also been set aside for the installation of changing screens for swimmers at four locations and three bike shelters. The funding is being provided as part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Wicklow TD Edward Timmins said the funding will make a big difference for outdoor amenities in Wicklow 'I'm particularly delighted to see funding for the Wicklow way at Curtlestown Wood, Wicklow Way signage which I've previously highlighted, the Brockagh Forest science and discovery area, disabled access for the Vartry Anglers, a Wicklow Harbour Sea-Trac to create independent swimming access for those with a physical disability and swimming infrastructure. 'I want to thank the community groups across Wicklow who work so hard to develop and enhance recreational amenities in our local community.' Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan has also welcomed the announcement. 'We are extraordinarily lucky to live in a place with such an abundance of natural beauty and it is important that we continue to invest in the infrastructure to ensure that these areas are accessible and open for use. 'Funding provided under this scheme continues to deliver and enhance our recreational offering which is of huge importance to us from a community wellbeing perspective, as well as being a catalyst for tourism in rural areas. 'I want to commend the various community groups who collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and enhance recreational amenities in their locality.' he added.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Cork outdoor recreation projects receive ‘major boost' of more than €600,000 in funding
The funding, a total sum of €608,550, has been provided from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). 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.
The Journal
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Journal
New swim shelters to pop up at several popular bathing spots around the country
NEW SHELTERS FOR swimmers are on the way to popular bathing spots along the coastline in a few counties. A list of projects have been granted funding under the government's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and several of the projects involve building shelters for swimmers to use before and after they're in the water. In Dublin, three spots in the north of the county are getting shelters: Donabate, Rush and Skerries. Funding of €40,000 has been granted for the shelters in each of the three areas. Minister for Climate Darragh O'Brien, a TD for Dublin Fingal East, said that purpose-built shelters 'will really help and assist year-round swimmers'. Advertisement 🌿 €8.7 million to boost 221 outdoor projects across Ireland — from trail upgrades to new amenities in every county. 🔗 @daracalleary @jerrybuttimer — Dept Rural & Community Development & the Gaeltacht (@DeptRCDG) August 14, 2025 In Cork, €40,000 was approved for the installation of a slipway with a handrail at Ballynamona beach and shelters for sea swimmers at Ballynamona and Whitegate beaches. Another €37,800 has been allocated for sea swimming infrastructure on Great Island, including the installation of a slipway with a handrail and shelters for sea swimmers at Glenmore and Cuskinny beaches. Achill Island off the Mayo coast will receive €40,000 to get changing shelters and facilities at Dooega and Dugort beaches. Wicklow County Council is getting €39,600 for 'wild swimming infrastructure', including the installation of changing screens at four locations and the installation of three bike shelters. Meanwhile, in Sligo, upgrading works will be done on the existing changing shelters at Curry outdoor swimming pool, with €40,000 allocated under the scheme. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Sea swimmers to benefit from €80,000 investment in new swimming bays
Three projects in Dublin Fingal West will share €120,500 aimed at improving local outdoor recreational amenities, Fine Gael TD Grace Boland has announced. The funding, provided through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will support facilities including walking trails, cycleways, mountain access routes, and water-based amenities. 'I'm delighted to see funding of €120,500 today for outdoor projects in Dublin Fingal West,' Deputy Boland said. 'This funding will be used to invest in recreational facilities such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based amenities and mountain access routes. '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. 'Across the country there is €8.7m being provided for 221 projects. 'I'm particularly delighted to see funding for more sea swimming facilities, which has provided so much joy for the community over the years. 'This new funding is going to make a big difference for outdoor amenities in Fingal, 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 Fingal 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 Fingal has to offer,' she added. Sea swimmers will benefit directly, with €40,000 allocated for a new swim shelter at Rush and a further €40,000 for one in Skerries. Both are designed to enhance safety and comfort for outdoor swimmers, a growing community in Fingal. The third project, with funding of €40,500, will carry out a feasibility study and ecological survey for a greenway route for walkers and cyclists linking Balrothery Village to Ardgillan Park.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Two outdoor trails in Galway awarded funding for repair and resurfacing works
Today at 11:53 The first measure of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) has allocated funds to two projects in Galway. Related topics Emma Smith
