Press Release
Kieran O’Donnell TD
Limerick City Constituency
4th March 2021
€198k for outdoor recreational upgrades in Clare Glens, Murroe in Limerick- O’Donnell
Outdoor recreation in Limerick received a major boost with €198,000 allocated for the Clare Glens Amenity Improvement project in Murroe, Limerick and North Tipperary Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell has said.
Deputy Kieran O’Donnell said it is brilliant to see such a public wonderful amenity as the Clare Glens in Murroe, which is used extensively by all, supported in this manner by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
“The €198,000 awarded, will be used to upgrade the existing amenity at Clare Glens including trail widening, wheelchair accessible trail, pedestrian bridge replacement, carpark refurbishment and signage provision.
“I wish to acknowledge the work of my colleague and locally based Murroe Fine Gael Councillor, John Egan in promoting this Clare Glens upgrade project which will greatly benefit the area.
“With the pandemic, it is even more important that we have outdoor facilities to afford people an opportunity to get outdoors, exercise and spend time taking in their amenities.
“Limerick is benefiting from a total Government pot of €6.5m in funding for outdoor recreational amenities nationwide with 38 projects in total supported,” Deputy Kieran O’Donnell has said.
The specific improvement details are:
| Clare Glens Amenity Improvements | The upgrade of an existing amenity at Clare Glens including trail widening, wheelchair accessible trail, pedestrian bridge replacement, carpark refurbishment and signage provision. | Clare Glens, Murroe, Co. Limerick | €198,000.00 |
“Furthermore, I will continue to work with Minister for Rural and Community Affairs Heather Humphreys to support funding of such worthwhile projects here in Limerick and North Tipperary. I believe it is vital that we continue to build resilience in rural communities and make our towns, villages and communities vibrant places for families to live.
“We have seen the value of outdoor pursuits over the last 12 months. Spring is upon us and summer is approaching – these facilities will be much used and appreciated by all,” Deputy O’Donnell said.
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. 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.
ENDS
Note to editors:
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding under three separate Measures to support outdoor recreation:
Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Promotion and Marketing (up to €20,000 grant available)
Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity development (up to €200,000 grant available)
Measure 3: Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development (up to €500,000 grant available).
All three measures under ORIS are supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. Project applications are submitted from Local Authorities (and Local Development Companies in respect of Measure 1), following consultation with local communities.
Under the current round of the programme, which was launched in 2020, the Department of Rural and Community Development provides funding of up to 90% of the total approved project costs, with the additional 10% to be provided from other sources.
Measure 1 was announced in January 2021. Measure 2 projects announced today.
It is expected that Measure 3 projects will be announced in the coming weeks.
In 2019, 2.4 million overseas tourists to Ireland engaged in hiking or cross-country walking, spending an estimated €1.3 billion during their stay here. A further 361,000 tourists took part in cycling activities.
The projects announced under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme will contribute further to Ireland’s tourism offering as we emerge from COVID restrictions, and will encourage visitors to extend their holidays in rural areas and explore the many attractions the regions have to offer.