Waterford Senator John Cummins has warmly welcomed the announcement that six Waterford walking trails will share an allocation of €105,900 under Measure one of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. The positive announcement was made by Minister of Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands Heather Humphreys TD.
Senator Cummins said “The COVID situation has given people a renewed appreciation of the benefit of the outdoors to their wellbeing. More than ever, people are placing huge value on the outdoor recreation infrastructure in their local areas. Research has shown that more people have been taking part in outdoor recreational activities since the COVID-19 restrictions became a part of our daily lives. It is estimated that an additional 500,000 regular recreational walkers have taken to pavements, walks and trails during Covid-19 when compared to the same time twelve months ago”.
“The walking trails, cycleways, mountain access routes and other facilities that the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme supports provide vital opportunities for people in rural areas to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.”
Measure 1 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme allows Local Authorities and Local Development Companies to seek funding (max €20,000) for Small scale projects that are in line with the objectives and focus of the Scheme. This includes, but is not limited to, the upkeep and repair of already established trails, walkways, cycleways, greenways and blueways, improved access to leisure or recreational facilities, and the promotion and marketing of such infrastructure.
The successful projects are;
The Towers Walk (Ballysaggartmore): €20,000 – Maintenance and repair work to the trail and historic structures that are synonymous with this popular local amenity.
Boolas Looped Walk (Rathgormack): €10,800 – Repair works to sections of the Boolas Loop Walk, part of the Rathgormack Walks network.
Abbeyside Coastal Walk (Abbeyside): €20,000 – Upgrade of further section of the Abbeyside Coastal Path between Lansend and Abbeyside boardwalk.
Nire Valley Walks (Nire Valley): €20,000 – Ongoing maintenance of Nire Valley Walks including extension of boardwalk section.
Mount Melleray Monastery Walks (Cappoquin): €17,550 – Upgrade to three quality looped walks off the 100km St. Declans Walk between Cashel and Ardmore. The Well Walk 2.5kms, Cross Walk 4.1kms, Source Walk 9.1kms.
Carriglea Wood Enhancement: €17,550 – Clear vegetation, planting, feature enhancements along the walk. Website to promote the walk.
Senator Cummins concluded by saying “I would like to compliment Waterford City & County Council and Waterford Leader Partnership for their work in putting forward these projects for consideration. I was delighted to engage with Minister Humphreys regarding these and other projects prior to Christmas and I am delighted that these trails are going to be further developed over the course of 2021. I count myself lucky to have walked many of the trails listed and I would encourage the people of Waterford, if they haven’t already done so to check them out when the 5km travel restrictions are eased. Obviously if you are fortunate enough to have them on your doorstep, try get out and utilise them.