Funding of €200,000 awarded to amenity improvements at Portrun

Significant funding amounting to €200,000 has been allocated in Roscommon towards water and land outdoor recreation amenity improvements at Portrun.

This will include the development of a slipway to safely access Lough Ree, the development of an accessible walk/cycleway from Portrunny Harbour to Crith Point and enhancement of harbour side recreation opportunities.

It comes as part of the government’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS),

Announced on Thursday by Minister of Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, the aim of the scheme is to boost interest in outdoor pursuits post-Covid. The funding will help in the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways, and blueways.

Minister Humphreys said:

“The value we place on our outdoor amenities, and the contribution which they make to our physical and mental wellbeing, has never been more appreciated than during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“We can also expect our outdoor recreation facilities to play an important part in supporting Ireland’s social and economic recovery as restrictions on movements are relaxed and the tourism sector re-opens.

“That’s why I’m delighted to support the continued development and enhancement of our outdoor recreation infrastructure through this €6.5 million investment. In total, 38 projects across the country will benefit. This brings the total investment this year alone under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme to €9.7 million. These facilities will make such a difference to communities and will also have a hugely positive impact on tourism."

Measure 1 small scall repair projects (up to a grant of €20,000) were announced in January, while measure 3 projects (large-scale repair and new strategic trail/amenity development) with funding of up to €500,000 will be announced in the coming weeks.