Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice & Equality, David Stanton, has welcomed the allocation of €53,020, to 6 outdoor recreation projects, across Cork East Constituency. The funding is being made available by Minister for Rural & Community Development, Michael Ring TD under the 2017 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
“This funding for local rural recreation projects is being made under Measure 1 of the Scheme which has a maximum allocation of €10,000 per project. Works eligible under this measure are for relatively small scale maintenance works and improvements to existing infrastructure. I would hope that these allocations will help boost the tourism potential of East and North Cork.
“In East Cork, Whitegate Trails will receive €10,000 as will Harper’s Island in Glounthaune and Claycastle Beach in Youghal. Carrigtwohill Community Park project was awarded €5,000”, said Minister Stanton.
“Allocations in the North Cork area include a total of €9,520 to trail and loop upgrades and projects in Killavullen, Kilworth and Blackwater Way and €10,000 to a project in Mallow.
“The Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and is designed to maintain and improve our outdoor recreational infrastructure including, for example, our greenways, blueways and walking trails. The allocations under this scheme cover 80% of the project cost with Cork County Council making up the balance of the cost.
“Recreational tourism is growing year on year and so it is crucial we continue to improve facilities and encourage more visitors. Figures from Fáilte Ireland show that the hiking and cycling tourism markets are worth approximately €1.2 billion to the Irish economy.
“Aside from the obvious tourism benefits, this funding will also improve outdoor recreational amenities for local people and encourage a healthy active lifestyle. I understand that further funding may be made available under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in autumn”, concluded Minister Stanton.
