Waterford Senator John Cummins has today (22nd March 2021) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D. of €370,134 for the upgrade and enhancement of the Clonea to Ballinacourty spur of the Waterford Greenway under Measure 3 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Todays investment is in addition to the €105,900 allocated to six projects under Measure 1 of the ORIS and €247,270 allocated under Measure 2 for two projects. Nationally 14 projects will be supported under Measure 3 which is for large scale outdoor infrastructure projects focused on Greenways, blueways, mountain bike trails and angling facilities.
Senator Cummins said “Under the funding, Waterford Council will receive €370,134 for the upgrade and enhancement of the Clonea Road to Ballinacourty Spur off the Waterford Greenway. The funding will be used to upgrade the existing walk way/cycle way between Clonea Road and Ballinacourty, bringing it up to Greenway standard and also to provide shared walking and cycling links to Ballinclamper and Ballinacourty car parks at Clonea Strand. There is also funding for the provision of amenity infrastructure contained within the plans.
Welcoming the funding for Waterford Greenway, Senator Cummins said “I know how important our outdoor amenities have been to everyone during Covid-19 and I particularly recognise the huge increase in footfall this particular stretch of the Greenway has seen over the last year or more and to that end this funding will be significant to users of the Greenway in the Clonea/Ballinacourty area. This investment is making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building upon the economic and tourism potential of rural areas and will see economic spin off which will benefit both locals and visitors alike”.
Speaking at this morning’s announcement Minister Humphries said One of my main priorities as Minister for Rural and Community Development will continue to be investing in the great outdoors: Our greenways blueways, trails, cycle paths and forest walks. The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has provided invaluable investment for outdoor amenities and facilities in rural areas over the past five years.
Senator Cummins concluded by saying “the Government has recgonised the significant importance of outdoor amenities and the benefits it can bring beyond the Covid -19 restrictions as evidenced by the 226 projects being supported from the €15.7m Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme this year. These investments are making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building upon the economic and tourism potential of rural areas across the country. The availability of world-class outdoor activities such as the Waterford Greenway will play a key role in Waterford’s tourism offering as we prepare for the re-opening and recovery of our economy.”