A north Mayo tidal pool and a number of Atlantic coastal walks have been approved for funding by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.

The projects are among over 69 outdoor recreation schemes earmarked for over €16 million.

Blueways, greenways, forest park routes and cycleways have been sanctioned for grant-aid, along with access points for kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming and other water -based activities

Among the projects are:

• Belmullet tidal pool, Co Mayo: €295,974
• Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway Enhancement, Co Meath: €200,000
• Ardmore beach walkway, Co Waterford: €500,000
• Durrus coastal walkway, Co Cork: €200,000
• Cliffs of Moher coastal walk, Co Clare: €500,000
• Kilrush Wood river walk and cycleway, Co Clare: €165,420
• Humphreys said the funding will be invested in 69 larger scale outdoor recreation projects, bringing the total number of projects funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, since its establishment in 2017, to over 1,650 nationwide.

“These projects under measures 2 and 3 are to receive funding of up to €200,000 and €500,000 respectively, and will be delivered by July 2026,”she said.

“This announcement is in addition to the €2.3m which was announced in November 2023 for 50 projects under the Project Development Measure of ORIS and €4.1m approved under measure 1 earlier this year,”she added.

“This investment from my department brings the overall allocation under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to over €129 million since the scheme was first launched in 2016,”she said.

“It is testament to the positive impact “Our Rural Future” continues to have on communities all over Ireland and the Government’s commitment to that policy,”she said.

Kayaking in Carlow and swimming in Lough Corrib are among some 189 projects to benefit as part of a €3.5 million investment in adventure and rural tourism.

The State funding being rolled out in partnership with Fáilte Ireland under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) promises to further enhance Ireland’s natural amenities and support rural Ireland as a destination for adventure tourism.

Projects across every county have been chosen for investment of up to €20,000 under Measure 1 of the scheme. Funding for larger projects under Measure 2 and 3 of the scheme will be announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys in the coming weeks.

Among the projects being funded in this round are improvements to river access to enhance the overall experience at Tullow Kayaking Club in Co Carlow (€20,000) and maintenance of the swimming area, including provision of lifebuoys, at Annaghdown Pier on Lough Corrib in Co Galway (€20,000).

Development of a blueway along the Wicklow and Wexford coasts and improved access at a number of angling locations throughout the country are among 14 large-scale projects to benefit from an investment of more than €6 million in adventure tourism.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys made the announcement yesterday (Monday 22 March) of the new funding under Measure 3 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

The investment involves a significant development of many of Ireland’s most popular outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways.

It will benefit 14 projects with investments of up to €500,000 each. This is in addition to the €9.7 million approved for 212 small and medium projects earlier this year, and is being funded in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.

Examples of the projects awarded funding include the development of the Blue-light Blueway from Bray along the coast to Wexford, which receives €499,338.

Inland Fisheries Ireland has been awarded €500,000 for improved safety and sustainable access, including wheelchair accessible platforms, at four angling locations in counties Cork, Mayo, Leitrim and Galway.

And in Co Monaghan, Hollywood Forest Park gets €276,385 for significant enhancements, which include the provision of a quality freshwater bathing site.

““This investment is making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building upon the economic and tourism potential of rural areas,” Minister Humphreys said.

Details of all 14 projects are available HERE.