Over €1 Million Secured For Outdoor Recreation Projects In Wicklow

Government's ''ORIS'' scheme enables enhanced recreational facilities and mountain access routes throughout Wicklow with new funding

Wicklow County Council has received more than €1m in funding to enhance and expand outdoor recreation spaces.

 A total of three major projects, worth €819,900, have been approved for development by the council.

The investment, as part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund will support large-scale upgrades to walking routes, new trails, as well as enhanced forest pathways.

€180,900 has been allocated to create a new trail connecting the N81 at Russborough with Russelstown Forest and the existing Blessington Greenway.

€445,500 will fund the construction of new trails and vital habitat restoration works within the Wicklow Mountains National Park on the Djouce Mountain Trail.

€193,500 will go toward resurfacing and upgrading the popular GlenTurn Cliff Walk coastal route.

In addition, County Wicklow Partnership has secured a further €194,580 for a Measure 2 project. In total, 12 projects have now been awarded to County Wicklow under the 2024 programme.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, said:

“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 is also pleased: “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.”