• Four Waterford Projects awarded funding by Minister Heather Humphreys
Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has welcomed this morning’s announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys of €926,515for four projects across Waterford under the latest round of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
Senator Cummins said “ORIS has been a huge success since it was introduced by Fine Gael under the governments flagship ‘Our Rural Future’ policy. I’m very proud of the funding which has been allocated in recent years to develop significant outdoor infrastructure projects right across the county. I want to commend all the stakeholders for their work in developing these proposals, in particular Johnny Brunnock, the trails officer who does fantastic work.
The projects which have received funding are;
Senator Cummins said “This is a very significant allocation – close to €1 million and it brings the total funding allocated to Waterford City and County Council under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in recent years to over €4.2 million. Minister Humphrey’s has been very receptive to the vast majority of projects which I have brought to her attention in recent years and this is further evidence of the governments commitment to funding projects in rural Waterford.
“I am really looking forward to seeing these projects being completed in the time ahead. Crough Wood and the Dunmore East Coastal Trail are two walks which my wife and I often enjoy and it is great to see the access arrangements to beautiful Benvoy being funded under this round. The allocation of half a million euro to develop the beach walkway at Duffcarrick in Ardmore comes hot on the heels of the €3.25 million allocation under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund last month and will be a huge asset for locals and visitors alike”.
“I am delighted to welcome today’s announcement which sees another injection of funds for Waterford. We are very lucky here in Waterford to have so many natural beauty spots. ORIS aims to improve these amenities, making them even more enjoyable places to visit.
Senator Cummins continued: “Today’s announcement carries significant economic and social benefits for our rural communities in Waterford, giving families a variety of activities that are easily accessible, low cost and on their doorstep. This funding announcement further displays this Governments rooted commitment to rural Ireland. Funding like this contributes to making all parts of Waterford better places to live, work and raise a family.
Commenting on the announcement Minister Humphrey’s said: “I would encourage everyone who can to get out and about, and make the most of what our countryside has to offer. The Government’s Rural Development policy, “Our Rural Future”, has allowed us to invest in our outdoor amenities at a level never before seen in Ireland. I believe this investment will mark another step forward in delivering on the Government’s National Outdoor Recreation Strategy – Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’”