Clare among five counties to get €1.28m funding for outdoor amenities

FUNDING of €1.28m to introduce outdoor recreation officers in six counties, including Clare, has been approved.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced funding for a pilot programme which will promote outdoor recreation in rural parts of Ireland. 

Clare and five other counties will be first to pilot the project and will receive funding of up to €30,000.

The funding is part of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027. The counties will establish a community group to consider the current outdoor recreation amenities in their area and outline where infrastructure could be developed over a three-year period.

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“More than ever, people are getting active in the outdoors and we want to make sure everyone has access to high quality amenities and experiences,” Minister Humphreys said.  

“This is a significant opportunity to identify the key outdoor recreation priorities and opportunities for each county. I would urge the local communities to engage with the consultation process so that they can shape the vision for the future of outdoor recreation in their local area.”

Funding of over €400,000 per year is also being made available by the Department of Rural and Community Development for new outdoor recreation officer posts in six local sports partnerships: Clare, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Sligo and Waterford.

This is part of a three-year pilot programme which is being delivered in collaboration with Sport Ireland. 

These officers will provide guidance in the county and will coordinate the development of the outdoor recreation plan in their county.

CEO of Sport Ireland, Dr Úna May, said: “The development of outdoor recreation has always been an integral part of Sport Ireland’s ambition to get more people participating in sport and physical activity, and achieve the Government’s target of 60% participation rates amongst Irish adults by 2027.

“These new Outdoor Recreation Officers will play a significant part in the step change to greater impact in counties across the country,” Dr May concluded.