€152,000 FOR WALKING TRAILS PROJECT
MONEY TO BE USED TO LINK NEW AND EXISTING TRAILS
WICKLOW’S growing network of walking trails has received a boost after receiving a grant of over €150,000.
Funding of €152,560 has been allocated to the project under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure (ORI) scheme administered by the Department of Rural and Community Affairs and Failte Ireland.
Led by Wicklow County Council in conjunction with Wicklow Uplands Council, the grant will be used to interconnect and further develop new and established trails throughout the north and east of the county.
Following the announcement, Brian Dunne, co-ordinator of Wicklow Uplands Council said: ‘News of this funding, along with last year’s allocation for the construction of the Avonmore Way Link Bridge, brings the council’s overall vision of creating a new, long distance upland trail from Bray to Woodenbridge ever closer to becoming a reality.
‘We are delighted that the scheme recognises the valuable contribution that these trails make to opening up parts of our uplands and other natural settings for local communities and visitors to enjoy.’
One of the key objectives of the project’s funding is to connect a series of existing trails such as the Bray Head Loop, Belmont Way, Sugar Loaf Way and the Roundwood Reservoir Vartry Trails.
This network of trails forms part of Wicklow Uplands Council’s proposal to develop and map a series of walks on designated trails that will offer visitors a scenic 60km route beginning at Bray train station. This route will take in some of the most beautiful scenery found in Ireland and could link the villages of Kilmacanogue, Roundwood, Annamoe, Laragh and Rathdrum before finally finishing at Woodenbridge.
Once completed, it is envisioned that the networks of trails could be enjoyed in sections or in its entirety. It is also hoped that connections will be developed to established trails such as St Kevin’s Way, the long-distance Wicklow Way and the planned Shillelagh to Arklow Greenway. A host of public and private transport services allows for greater access and the choice of starting and finishing points.
Highlighting the project’s partnership approach, Mr Dunne said: ‘It is through close cooperation with all stakeholders including landowners and local communities that has enabled over 500km of waymarked trails currently found in Wicklow, to be developed and maintained.’
Michael Nicholson, Director of Services at Wicklow County Council, welcomed the funding, noting that it brings further opportunities to attract people to the county’s beautiful outdoors.
‘Wicklow County Council is excited that Wicklow’s growing network of trails has received this important funding allocation under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.’
‘We have a spectacular landscape that deserves to be discovered and enjoyed by all, and our trails offer a perfect opportunity to attract visitors keen to experience Wicklow’s renowned beauty.’
County Wicklow Partnership and the Rural Recreation Officer, a post formerly held by Bryan Fennell, also collaborated extensively with this project.
The 44 projects. which received funding under Measures 2 and 3 of the ORI scheme. were announced last week.