€75,000 in funding for upgrade of the cliff walk
FUNDING for the Vartry Reservoir walk and the cliff walk in Wicklow town totalling €151,000 has been secured through the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme.
The Vartry Reservoir walk will receive €76,000 for the construction of a boardwalk bridge.
€75,000 has been allocated to the cliff walk in Wicklow for upgrade works and the extension of a looped walk.
Cllr Shay Cullen, the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District, has welcomed the funding for both projects.
He was one of the main leading-lights responsible for creating the walk around the Vartry Reservoir.
‘We started work on the walk in 2014 and have already restored a significant number of paths while also opening some new ones.
‘This new funding should go a long way to finishing off the walk and will also help with the need for two pedestrian bridges which will link the walkways to Roundwood village.’
Access to the Wicklow cliff walk has been closed to the public for the past number of years due to health and safety concerns, though some walkers still use the route regardless.
‘We have been discussing the cliff walk at municipal district meetings for the past number of years,’ said Cllr Cullen.
‘At the moment consultation is ongoing between Wicklow Municipal District and Wicklow Golf Club over access.
‘This funding is just the start but at least it is a sign that funding for these sort of projects is available.
‘Reopening the cliff walk would greatly enhance Wicklow town’s tourism potential and it could prove a real attraction. Other funding streams are also being explored through Failte Ireland and Wicklow County Council. It will cost in the region of €400,000 to complete the whole project but at least this funding is a start.’