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.