Grants to improve various rural trails
A number of outdoor trail routes around the county are to receive funding for improvement works.
Sligo has been allocated €180,000 under Measure 1 of the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, announced by Michael Ring, Minister for Rural and Community Development.
The Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as greenways, blueways and other trails.
“Aside from the obvious tourism benefits, it’s also hugely important that we maintain and develop our outdoor infrastructure to encourage everyone to keep fit and live a healthy active lifestyle,” said Deputy Tony McLoughlin who welcomed the funding.
“The scheme will primarily be run by Local Development Companies, Local Authorities and State Agencies, and funding will be provided to a maximum of 80% of total project cost, with the balance to be provided from other sources,” he added.
The successful projects are: Green Fort Trail, Sligo - Improved access to and interpretation of the site, improving signage and linkages to existing trails and adjacent campuses €20,000; Adventure Sligo - Digital media marketing, website, promotional videos. Co. Sligo €16,000; Sligo Walks Promotion - Digital media marketing, website, promotional videos. Co. Sligo €20,000; Queen Maeve Trail - upgrade maintenance works on the existing path including intermittent repairs/ rehabilitation works €16,800; Keash Hill Trail - upgrade path rehabilitation on the trail. Signage & the replacement of the existing trail head map-board. €17,600; Carn’s Hill - original signage requires replacement/ ugrading, €20,000; Duneil River Walk - Remedial works to the path surface. Signage required and informtional signage for the route including a trail head map bord/information sign, finger signs and information panels, €9,440; Lough Talt -looped trail upgrade and repair of the existing trail surface, replacement/upgrading of original signage. Lough Talt, Co. Sligo €20,000; Tubbercurry - trail upgrade and repair of the existing trail surface. Original signage requires replacement/ upgrading. €20,000; Gurteen Trail- Construction of a new pedestrian access to the north of the village. Upgrade and maintenance €20,000.