Outdoor fun-ding promised

Seven projects are to benefit as €138,000 has been ringfenced for recreational uses across the county.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme supports the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways, and blueways and has provided funding for the development of new amenities and the enhancement of existing facilities since 2016.

Cork County Council successfully secured the maximum funding available through the scheme to support the development or upgrade of the several projects. These include the walking trail at Camden Fort in Crosshaven, trails and water access at White Bay in East Cork, the entranceway and marketing of Moanbaun Woods in North Cork, a carpark and picnic area for Mount Hillary in North Cork, repairs to the Cliff Walk at The Warren in Rosscarberry, redevelopment of walks, a sensory path and improved disability access to Island Wood in Newmarket and improvement works on the Belgooly walkway .

Mayor of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “In this past year we’ve all come to recognise the value of the outdoors for maintaining our physical and mental health. We’re especially fortunate in county Cork, with a great deal of natural beauty, resources and amenities available to us.

“Last year saw a marked increase in the use of walking trails, cycleways and all our outdoor amenities across the county, where people could safely exercise while observing social distancing regulations.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD announced almost €3.2 million in funding for 173 projects across Ireland under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. In addition to the €138,000 allocated to Cork County Council, €112,636.20 was allocated to community groups for works to trails in other areas of Cork county.