Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Senator Aisling Dolan welcomes €375,000 in outdoor recreational funds for Co. Roscommon. Minister Heather Humphreys announced overall funding of €15 million under the Department of Rural & Community Development.
Fantastic news for a number of projects across Roscommon with many community groups working with Roscommon County Council and Roscommon Leader Partnership. The Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure fund develops new walkways, cycleways and parks in rural areas and gives lots more choice to families planning days out with young and old.
My colleague Minister Heather Humphreys has announced €375,000 for projects in Roscommon to enhance outdoor amenities for local communities.
A fantastic project at Palace NeighbourWood in Elphin will see funding of €18,900 to further develop trails and seating. This is a great space opposite the iconic windmill and is thanks to the commitment of a small community group working with Roscommon County Council. It has a strong focus on biodiversity with thousands of trees and pollinators planted working with Teagasc and it is such a pleasure to walk about this green space in all seasons.”
Gorthaganny has also been successful in funding to upgrade the jetty, slipway and kayak store and shows the access we have in the region to water sports. Roscommon County Council have received €50,000 to develop plans for Donamon area with the local community as well as €50,000 for the initial planning design for a greenway from Ballaghaderreen to Kilfree in Sligo along the old rail route. This is a great way to develop this area for outdoor activities”
Funding has also been allocated to reprint walking and cycling guidebooks for Roscommon as well as over €50,000 to the Council to upgrade waymarked trails all across the county and review outdoor spaces. Roscommon Leader Partnership are supporting groups and walking trails in Slatta, Rooskey and Loughglinn.
All of these projects we see today are testament to incredible local community groups and volunteers working with Roscommon County Council and Roscommon Leader Partnership to develop amenities in their local area.”
Minister Heather Humphreys added: “Every county will benefit from today’s announcement so if you’re a walker, a swimmer, a cyclist or even a fisherman – check out the list to see what’s happening in your county.
"Getting active in the fresh air outdoors can be a tonic for the body and soul and this was brought home to us all during the pandemic."
"Some of these amenities are often hidden gems on our doorsteps so I’m encouraging people to get out and discover them over the rest of the Summer”, Minister Humphreys concluded.
