Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
Kilkenny County Council has been successful in securing grant aid in the sum of €73,291 for outdoor amenities countywide. Two additional projects have been approved through Kilkenny Leader Partnership in the amount of €40,000. The projects are further evidence of Kilkenny County Council’s commitment to securing investment in outdoor amenities which will serve the local communities but also attract visiting tourists to some of Kilkenny’s hidden amenities countywide. The projects approved are;
| LOCATION OF PROJECT | NAME OF PROJECT | DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT | FUNDING APPROVED |
| Woodstock Gardens and Arboreteum and Woodstock Looped Walk | Promotion and Communications Plan | Marketing and Promotion | €13,500 |
| Brandon Hill Loop Walk | Brandon Hill Loop Walk | Brandon Hill Loop Walk Upgrade Trail enhancement | €20,000 |
| Freshford Loop Walk | Freshford Loop Walk Upgrade | Upgrade of Trail | €20,000 |
| Cois Bearbha Riverside Loop Walk | Cois Bearbha Riverside Loop Walk | Upgrade of Trail | €19,791 |
| Tullahought, Kilkenny | Kilkenny Leader Kilmacoliver Loop Walk Trail Development | Kilmacoliver Loop Walk Upgrade | €20,000 |
| Gathabawn, Kilkenny | Kilkenny Leader Gathabawn Loop Walk Trail Repair and Enhancement | Gathabawn Loop Walk Upgrade | €20,000 |
This follows a recent announcement by the Department of Rural and Community Development who published details of projects to be funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority. The Scheme provides funding for the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycle ways and blueways.
Welcoming the allocations, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness congratulated the Council on securing the funding and added “I welcome the announcement of funding for these very worthwhile projects. The last year has shown the important role that amenities have played in our physical and mental wellbeing and has seen a significant increase in the number of people using our walking routes, cycle tracks, parks and other amenities to exercise and keep fit, while having regard to guidelines on social distancing during this COVID 19 crisis. I commend all involved in securing this funding.”
The projects announced under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme will contribute further to Kilkenny’s tourism offering, and will encourage visitors to extend their holidays in rural areas and explore the many attractions the region has to offer.
Today’s announcement relates to Measure 1 applications under the ORIS. The Council awaits the outcome of applications submitted under Measures 2 and 3 of the Scheme.
