Over €784,000 for outdoor recreation projects

There’s been a broad welcome for over €784,000 of funding announced for local recreation projects.

Minister Heather Humphreys announced the funding on Monday under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Four projects across Cavan have been successful under this round of the scheme.

Dún a Rí Forest Park in Kingscourt is to receive €451,292 for the enhancement of the off road access from the town to the Forest Park. A natural woodland play area in the park will also be developed.

Work is ongoing on the drawing up of a new masterplan for the park, which will form the basis of future development in the area.

€200,000 is going towards the Ballyhaise River and Forest Trail where a 6km looped trail will be developed from Ballyhaise House along the Annalee River, past Oakwood Forest and through the village of Ballyhaise.

In Bailieborough, €101,732 is to be spent to improve access, parking, trails and the overall visitor experience at the Castle Lake Forest.

The funding is part of a €15.5 million nationwide package announced on Monday.

An investment of €200,000 will also go to enhance the facilities at Dartrey Forest outside Cootehill. The investment will improve the forest trail, including picnic spaces, access to the boardwalk and a pedestrian link from Rockcorry.

Minister Heather Humphreys says the funding will make a huge difference to people across Cavan.

“This unprecedented investment will also help further our ambition to support our rural economies and make Rural Ireland a destination of choice for adventure tourism.

“Outdoor pursuits have become an even bigger part of all of our lives over the past two years.

“Through this Fund, we are developing and enhancing the fantastic natural amenities in our rural communities so more and more people can access and enjoy them.”