Mountain bike trail gets more funding
THE sod was turned on the proposed mountain bike trail in Coolaney on Thursday and it has received another funding boost with Minister Michael Ring allocating another €500,000 to it.
Deputy Tony McLoughlin, has said the new Coolaney Mountain Bike Trail will be a major boost to tourism in the region.
He was speaking at the turning of the sod for the project by the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
Deputy Mc Loughlin said: “This trail is going to be a major asset in attracting tourism to Sligo in the years to come.
“Minister Ring confirmed to me that the trail is going to receive an additional €500,000 under this year’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
“This is in addition to the €840,000 this exciting project was allocated under the 2017 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
“Sligo is a stunning country and is becoming known internationally as a top location for surfing. Coolaney is a ten minute drive from Sligo town and is an excellent location for the National Mountain Bike Trail Centre, a world class facility that when fully complete will consist of 80km of cycling trail and related facilities.
“It will be a flagship recreational amenity attracting domestic and overseas visitors, of all capabilities, to the region.
“The Outdoor Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure, in rural areas across Ireland.
“I know that further phases of this project are planned in order to complete the trails system,” the Fine Gael TD said.