Walks and trails in county Clare granted over €127k in funding

Clare County Council has welcomed the announcement of funding of €127,434 to develop and enhance outdoor recreation projects in Clare.

These projects were included in a recent funding announcement in March 2024 by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, of €4.1 million to develop and enhance over 150 outdoor recreation projects across the country.

The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

It will also provide a boost to local economies by attracting more visitors to rural communities.

Up to €30,000 will be invested in each project under this round of funding – with a focus being placed on small scale enhancements, upgrades and repairs.

The projects being funded in Clare are:

Kilkee Cliff Walk: Improvement works - €27,000

Cahermurphy Looped Walk: Improvement works to forestry trail - €26,050

Ballinruan/Gortnamearacaun Loop: Improvements to the bog road - €28,053

Malbay Track and Trail Safety Works: Enhancement of Miltown Malbay Track and Trail - €26,820

O’Briensbridge to Errina Looped Walk: Repair and resurface 0.7 km of looped walk - €19,511.

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Welcoming the funding announcement, Councillor Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said, “Five communities in County Clare stand to benefit from the development of facilities being funded under this announcement.

"I would like to thank Minister Humphreys and the Department for making this funding available and I look forward to the projects progressing.”

Cllr Cillian Murphy also welcomed the funding, expressing his delight that the Kilkee Cliff Walk is included in the projects listed.

"This should go a long way to keeping this amazing amenity in good shape for the next while," the West Clare councillor said on social media.

Bernadette Haugh, Senior Executive Officer, Rural Development, Clare County Council, said these projects "will facilitate the improvement of facilities for the future enjoyment of residents and visitors, enhancing recreational opportunities in communities across the county.”