Almost €200,000 has been awarded to two Roscommon Recreation projects as part of a €4.455 million fund for rural recreation projects as part of the Government’s programme to support rural development.
The announcement was made earlier today by the Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring TD.
Minister Ring said
“I am delighted to be in a position to announce this new package of funding that will ensure the maintenance of existing recreational facilities and the development of some new and exciting outdoor facilities across the country. This is the first of several tranches of funding for rural recreational facilities by my Department and reinforces the Government’s commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to support Rural Ireland. Investment in recreational facilities has a proven effect in boosting local economies and assisting in the creation and retention of employment in the hospitality, tourism and services sectors in rural Ireland.”
€103,647.65 has been approved for the Greenlands Cycling Trail which is a 135 mile cycle route stretching from Roscommon Town to Athlone.
€89,230 has been allocated for a Wheelchair accessible angling project on the Suck Valley Way.
In total 75 projects in 20 counties are being funded in this, the first, round of allocations under the 2016 Rural Recreation Scheme.
Senator Maura Hopkins has welcomed both announcements stating
“The Greenlands Cycling Trail will be further developed through this funding, which was applied for through Roscommon Leader Partnership. It has huge potential given the ability to explore a varied countryside of farmland, bog, forest and experience the beauty of Lough Ree and the River Shannon. The touring cyclist will also be able to visit the many rural villages and the towns of Roscommon, Athlone and Ballinasloe.”
“I am absolutely delighted that a wheelchair accessible angling project along the Suck Valley Way has been funded” added Senator Maura Hopkins. “A significant amount of work has been completed by communities along with River Suck including those involved in the Suck Valley Angling Hub, Inland Fisheries along with Roscommon County Council and Roscommon Leader Partnership. I congratulate those involved in working hard to secure this funding.”
She concluded by saying that “The Suck Valley Area offers huge tourism opportunities and it is very positive that this funding will support people with disabilities to engage in angling and to experience the heart of County Roscommon.”