Funding boost for local outdoor projects

There's some good news for local groups today.

Funding of €212,075 has been announced for outdoor projects across Cavan.

Under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, eight local projects are receiving funding.

The most, €43,200, will go towards the drawing up of a masterplan for angling development by Cavan County Council.

Two projects, upgrades at Rann Point on Lough Oughter and at the Sean Eamoinn Ruairi Trail on Cuilcagh mountain, are receiving €30,000 each.

€24,782 will go towards the creation of a new heritage trail in Bawnboy.

Funding will also go towards projects in the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, at Garvagh Lough Amenity Area, Kilnahard Slipway on Lough Sheelin and at Lough an Leagh.

Another €291,000 is going to nine projects in Co Monaghan, including upgrades at Dartrey Forest outside Cootehill, the Dromore River Blueway and at Carravoo Lake in Rockcorry.

Welcoming the funding, local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith said the funding will bring a much needed boost to the projects:

“These projects will enhance existing outdoor recreation facilities and help to develop new amenities which will be an important resource for local communities and visitors to our region. Easy access to outdoor amenities in every community is beneficial for all age groups.

“I compliment Cavan County Council, Monaghan County Council, Monaghan Integrated Development and local community groups who worked together to bring these projects to this stage. The commitment of local community groups throughout both counties, such as Bawnboy Tidy Towns Committee in their work in advancing the Bawnboy Heritage Trail, is critical to the success of this scheme.”

Announcing the funding, Minister for Rural and Community Development and local Fine Gael TD Heather Humphreys said over €6 million is going to projects across the country:

“The funding I’m announcing today will support the further development of our greenways, blueways and hiking trails making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit.

“Every county will benefit from today’s announcement so if you’re a walker, a swimmer, a cyclist or even a fisherman – check out the list to see what’s happening in your county.”

Breakdown of local funding

Bawnboy Heritage Trail Bawnboy -Creation of a new heritage trail Cavan County Council € 24,782

Cuilcagh Lakelands GeoPark (Marketing) Marketing Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global GeoPark Cavan County Council € 19,845

Garvagh Lough Amenity Area Upgrade works to Garvagh Lough Cavan County Council € 18,001

Kilnahard Slipway, Lough Sheelin Kilnhard, Lough Sheelin -Extension of existing boat slip Cavan County Council € 27,666

Lough an Leagh Lough an Leagh Upgrade of picnic and amenity area at trailhead Cavan County Council € 18,581

Masterplan for Angling Development (PDM) Prepare Masterplan for Angling Development (County Cavan) Cavan County Council € 43,200

Rann Point - Clough Oughter Upgrade works to Clough Oughter viewing point at Rann Point Cavan County Council € 30,000

Sean Eamoinn Ruairi Trail Upgrade waymarked walking route on lowlands of Cuilcagh Mountain Cavan County Council € 30,000