Significant funding announced for North West Outdoor Recreation projects

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced over €1.3 million in funding for 33 outdoor recreation projects across Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal. Minister Calleary made the announcement at the Warren Way Trail near Enniscrone, County Sligo earlier today.  The Fianna Fail Minister announced a nationwide package of €8.7 million to deliver 221 recreational projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. In Sligo, seven projects have been allocated a total of €295,000. In Leitrim, funding of €316,648 will be provided for seven projects. While Donegal will benefit from €706,041 for 18 projects across the county.  In Sligo the project will include €50,000 for Phase 2 of the Gibraltar Rocks swimming pool restoration and €45,000 for study and design work to upgrade and expand facilities at Lough Gara.The remaining five projects, each receiving €40,000, will improve summit access at Muckelty Hill, upgrade trailhead facilities and parking at the Queen Maeve Trailhead at Knocknarea, enhance the Sligowalks.ie website, resurface sections of the Warren Way, and carry out maintenance work on recreation sites along the Yeats Trail. In Leitrim, €45,000 has been allocated for a feasibility study on a new walking trail at Dromore, Dromahair, and another €45,000 for exploring the development of a trail from Spencer Harbour to Drumkeerin. A further €50,000 will go towards planning and assessments for the upgrading of amenities at Lough Melvin. Two projects, Acres Lake (Drumshabo) biodiversity landscaping and the upgrading of the Lough Yugan amenity site, will each receive €40,000.The Sheemore Walkway will be upgraded with €38,970 in funding, while €39,960 has been granted for pathway improvements on the Leitrim Way at Barr of Farrow. In Donegal €36,000 wiil be provided to access potential sites for disabled anglers and €40,000 to design and install information and signage boards at trailheads across the county.The remainder of the funding will support improvements to trails and walking amenities throughout Donegal.