Wicklow Uplands Council warmly welcomes today’s announcement of a funding allocation of €281,700 to develop County Wicklow’s ever-growing outdoor recreational offerings.

The funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), is designed to enhance outdoor amenities such as walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches to make them more accessible and to improve the experience for tourists and local visitors alike. Investments also provide a major boost to local economies by attracting visitors and assists greatly in adds to Wicklow’s reputation as a destination for adventure tourism.

In County Wicklow, 10 trails and amenities feature on the list, with several of projects linked to Wicklow Upland Council’s ongoing collaborative work in the development, support and management of trails.

• Aughrim Heritage (€27,000) – Restoration of access to Old Granite Stoneworks and link to Sean Lenihan Way.

• The Avonmore Way (€29,700) – Resurfacing of the Avonmore Way through Clara Vale Nature Reserve.

• Ballyboy Equestrian Trail (€29,700). – Looped equestrian trail in Ballyboy Forest

• Devil’s Glen, Ashford (€27,000) – Extension of river walk, establishment of two new trails within the forest.

• The Miner’s Way (€25,200) – Resurfacing of Ballinafunshogue section.

• Oakwood – Ballinagee (€27,000) – Upgrade of the trail.

• Red Kite Loop (€29,700) – Installation of a play area along the Red Kite Loop in Avoca.

• West Wicklow Access Points (€27,0000 – New access points for Coillte amenities in West Wicklow.
• Wicklow Uplands (€29,000) The airlifting of materials into sensitive sites in Wicklow Uplands.

Today’s news forms part of a total funding allocation of almost €6 million to develop and promote outdoor recreational amenities across the country. Almost €4.3 million of this sum will be used to improve some 163 outdoor amenities across the country. Each project featured this measure will receive up to €30,000 to support their enhancement.

Furthermore, funding will also be invested in 37 outdoor projects that are currently at the early stage of development. These projects are to receive funding of up to €50,000. Funding for larger scale projects under Measures 2 and 3 of the scheme will be announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development in the coming weeks.

Congratulations to all involved with the various projects that were successful in this round of funding.