28 Nov National Outdoor Recreation Funding of €540k for Mayo

• Ireland’s first ever National Outdoor Recreation Strategy
• Strategy will deliver major economic and health benefits
• Focus on Hiking, Cycling, Wild Swimming, Kayaking & more
• National Walks Scheme to be expanded to 150 trails

 

Mayo TD Alan Dillon has confirmed funding of €540k today for Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors – an ambitious and transformational National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.The five year strategy was launched by his colleague Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.

Deputy Dillon said “Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors was developed in partnership with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a collaborative cross-Government strategy that reflects the views of stakeholders and the public. The new strategy will set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come bringing huge economic and health benefits to communities across the country.

 Launching Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, Minister Humphreys said: “The pandemic awakened a new discovery to explore amongst the Irish public. When we were confined to our counties or we could only meet friends and family outdoors, we gained a new found appreciation for the unique amenities we have on our doorstep whether it’s our forest parks, our mountain trails, our rivers, our greenways or our stunning beaches.

 

Minister Humphreys thanked stakeholders and the public for their engagement in developing the Strategy:“Significant stakeholder and public engagement has been at the core of the development of this Strategy. I would like to thank the members of Comhairle na Tuaithe for their tireless work in developing the Strategy. Thanks to the high level of stakeholder and public engagement Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors is a truly collaborative Strategy that will set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.

 Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors focuses on bringing a more joined-up and cohesive approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at both a national and county level. As part of the strategy new Outdoor Recreation Committees will be established in every County to ensure there is a focused and strategic approach to the development of local amenities.

Deputy Dillon said, “ I am delighted for the three successful projects from County Mayo

• Old Head Beach. Louisbugh – Trailhead Upgrades at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh- €180,000
• Downpatrick Head – Downpatrick Head Trailhead Improvements – €180,000
• Benwee Head Carrowteige Loop Walks –Upgrade Carrowteige Coastal Loop Walks, Kilgalligan, Carrowteige – €180,000

“The benefits on investment to this level is detrimental in rural Ireland, Spending time outdoors supports our mental and physical health and it improves our quality of life. There also huge economic benefits, particularly for rural communities” concluded Deputy Dillon.