Trails in Castlesaunderson will be enhanced to the tune of almost €35,000.

Walking trails around Cavan get almost €390K funding boost

Walking trails across Cavan and Monaghan received a significant funding boost this morning.

Minister Dara Calleary announced over €730,000 in funding for the constituency under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. It's part of a nationwide allocation of €8.7 million for 221 recreational based projects.

Projects in County Cavan received funding of €387,173 while County Monaghan received €346,400.

Amongst the recreational projects for the constituency are Dowra Island walk upgrade, Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trails Development and Mountain Bike Trails in Mullaghmatt Forest in Monaghan.

CAVAN PROJECTS:

Ballyconnell Canal upgrade - €40,000

Castle Saunderson trails enhancement - €34,763

Cavan Trails promotion - €30,420

Dowra Island walk upgrade - €40,000

Giants Leap & Tullybobbin Trails upgrade - €40,000

Castle Lake trail improvement - €40,000

Moneyshegel Cashel Heritage Trail upgrade - €40,000

Mullahoran Walking Trail - €40,000

Maintenance of Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark sites - €37,890

Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trails - €44,100

MONAGHAN PROJECTS:

Interactive digital trails & recreation map for Co. Monaghan - €36,450

Lough Muckno Park Sensory Area - Phase 2 - €40,000

Peters Lake enhancements, Monaghan town - €40,000

Refurbishment of jetty & slipway at Lough Muckno Park - €40,000

Rossmore Forest Park resurfacing - €40,000

Recreation Masterplan for Lough Naglack - €50,000

Cashlan Lough Trail Development - €49,950

Mountain Bike Trails in Mullaghmatt Forest - €50,000

"The inclusion of recreational projects such as the Recreational Masterplan for Lough Naglack, Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trails Development, and Cashlan Lough Trail Development and Mountain Bike Trails in Mullaghmatt Forest, will ensure we can enhance these trails and in essence support the promotion of them throughout our counties," said Deputy Brendan Smith welcoming the news.

His party colleague Minister Niamh Smyth said funding allocations under this scheme have made a "sizeable difference".

"When I visit these recreational spaces around Monaghan and Cavan, I can see the positive effect the investment has had on these spaces. Giving them a vibrancy and new life,” he said. “These spaces are essential for Cavan/Monaghan as they promote local tourism and show off the best of our great counties."

Meanwhile Senator Joe O'Reilly said: “I want to thank the community groups across Cavan who work so hard to develop and enhance recreational amenities in our local community.

“These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I really encourage everyone to get out there and enjoy the incredible outdoor spaces Cavan has to offer.”