Funding has been announced today for Measure 2 and Measure 3 projects under the ORIS scheme.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, today announced €16.5 million to deliver 63 projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
Wicklow County Council is pleased to announce that as part of this funding, €1,014,480 will be allocated to Wicklow for new and upgraded outdoor recreation projects across the county.
This funding pertains to Measure 2 and Measure 3 of the scheme. The investment under ORIS will focus on larger-scale projects that involve upgrading paths and creating new mountain trails and forest walks.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister Calleary stated, “Today’s announcement, on Clare Island, will see a wide range of capital projects delivered across the country covering walking and cycling trails, upland paths, and enhancements in water-based activities. This is all further delivering on the objectives of our national outdoor recreation strategy Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.”
A total of 3 projects with funding of €819,900 have been approved for Wicklow County Council to implement throughout the county, including two Measure 2 projects and one Measure 3 project:
|
Measure
|
Project Name
|
ORIS Funding
|
|
2
|
Glen Turn Cliff Walk, Wicklow Town
|
€193,500
|
|
2
|
Russelstown Link to Russborough House & Gardens
|
€180,900
|
|
3
|
Djouce Mountain Trail and habitat restoration project
|
€445,500
|
Additionally, a further Measure 2 project has been approved for County Wicklow Partnership in the amount of €194,580.
The three Wicklow County Council projects announced today are in addition to the four Measure 1 and one Project Development Measure projects announced by Minister Calleary in August.
In total, 12 ORIS projects have been awarded to County Wicklow by the Department for 2024.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, stated, “This funding announcement will facilitate the successful completion of outdoor recreation projects across Wicklow, made possible through strong community engagement and collaboration with our many stakeholders.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added, “I would like to thank the Department for providing this funding, which allows us to meet our Outdoor Recreation Strategy goals and promote outdoor recreational activities and economic development around the County for our citizens and many visitors while protecting the natural environment”.
Theresa O’Brien, Director of Services for Climate, Environment, Recreation, and Amenity, commented, “The ORIS scheme enables our team to enhance recreational facilities and mountain access routes throughout Wicklow, as well as create new outdoor trails and play areas in our communities. We are pleased to see funding awarded to improve access in sections of the Wicklow Way, which attracts large numbers of visitors to our county.”
Damian Clarke, Park Manager, Wicklow Mountains National Park commented “Very positive news on the funding for the Djouce Mountain trail, a popular walking route within Wicklow Mountains National Park. We look forward to working with our colleagues in Wicklow County Council on the much needed trail and habitat works on Djouce.”