Local groups urged to apply for €10m funding pot available for greenways and walking trails

Minister for European Affairs and Meath East TD Helen McEntee is encouraging groups and organisations in Meath who have proposals for Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure projects to make applications to Meath County Council. This year’s scheme has €10 million allocated in total for it.

“The tourism and hospitality sector has been one of the hardest hit from the Covid-19 pandemic. It is one of the most important sectors in our economy and will be vital in our economic recovery. Developing outdoor amenities will help to attract both domestic and international visitors to Meath in the coming years will be a major boost for our towns and villages.

"This scheme with its significant funding this year, will help to fund local greenways, blueways and walking trails. This will support activity tourism and the many thousands of local jobs which the sector provides. This is especially important given that physical distancing may be with us for some time to come.

“The natural resources available to us here in Ireland continue to offer great potential for activity tourism. Walking and cycling are amongst the main activities undertaken by both domestic and overseas tourists, and this trend is set to increase as the economy recovers.

“There are various projects and proposals being developed by local groups and organisations aimed at creating substantial outdoor amenities that can be used everyone. I would encourage them to submit their proposals to Meath Co Council and avail of this scheme.”

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas, such as cycleways, walking trails, blueways and mountain access routes. Funding will be provided to a maximum of 90 per cent of total project costs. This increased funding level has been introduced in recognition of the difficulty in raising match funding due to the impact of Covid-19.