€186,250 funding boost for outdoor amenities in County Wexford
County Wexford Chamber welcomes the news that County Wexford is to receive €186,250 in Government funding for development of outdoor amenities.
Minister James Browne confirmed that the Government will provide €186,250 towards further investment in the county’s outdoor trails with six projects due to benefit from the grant aid.
Min Browne said his colleague, Minister Heather Humphreys, had included the projects for funding support under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The largest allocation is €49,500 which will go towards the ongoing expansion and development of the riverside trail and promenade walk in Enniscorthy town.
Min Browne expressed delight that projects in Wexford will be included and said: “County Wexford projects will benefit from Government funding. The scenic Enniscorthy Riverside Promenade Walk will receive funding to assist the pathway’s expansion.”
He said plans for the Riverside Walk’s expansion are at an early stage and works will continue at pace to extend what he described as a “terrific outdoor amenity”.
“Many people are visiting County Wexford this summer and this announcement will give County Wexford residents and visitors alike another reason to get out and enjoy the outdoors on the Enniscorthy Riverside Promenade Walk,” said Min Browne.
In addition to that funding Min Browne also expressed delight that his home town will also receive funding for the river Slaney bank trail and re-routing with a link to Blackstoops Road.
Other areas of County Wexford that will receive funding under the scheme will include resurfacing of Old Bawn car park near Cahore Point trail while funding will also be provided to install seats along easy graded Wexford walking trails.
In the New Ross area €26,500 will go towards relocating part of the Forge Trail, at Carrigbyrne, with a particular emphasis on relocating part of the trail away from the N25 road.
Funding of €20,250 will also go towards upgrading the walking trails at Curragh, Kilanerin, Newtown and Annagh.
He said the current funding allocation comes in the wake of “unprecedented investment in our outdoor amenities” in recent years, underpinned by the Government’s ambitious rural development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’.
Min Browne said the ORIS scheme will be key to enhancing our outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches. It will also provide a major boost to local economies by attracting visitors and furthering Ireland’s reputation as a destination for adventure tourism.
Min Browne said he will continue to work at ensuring Wexford County Council and community projects in the county benefit from Government support.