Kilkenny outdoor centres get €400,000 funding boost: Minister John Paul Phelan
THREE leading local recreational projects have been given a major New Year boost after it was confirmed they will receive over €400,000 in Government funding.
Castlecomer Discovery Park (pictured above) is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the funding, which was announcement by Junior Minister and Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan.
Graiguenamanagh Outdoor Activity Hub will receive €124,000, while Moat Fields Nature and Heritage Trail in Callan will get €79,069.
The funding in Callan will be used to create a walkway while enhancement and improvement works are on the cards for Castlecomer.
Minister Phelan said: “I’m thrilled to confirm that in all, €403,069 is to be made available to a further three Kilkenny-based projects under the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). In all, €12 million is being invested across Ireland. The scheme provides funding for the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as greenways, blueways and other trails.”
Around 380 applications were received across the three funding categories. Of those, 146 projects to the value of just under €10 million have been approved to date.
Minister Phelan added: “Kilkenny is now one of Ireland’s top leisure and pleasure destinations. We’ve always been a Mecca for the culturally and culinary curious. But more and more individuals, couples, families, clubs and groups are now coming to Kilkenny to walk, to run, to cycle, to hike, use our waterways and enjoy everything the county has to offer.
“The great work done over the years by Kilkenny County Council, by Kilkenny LEADER, by Trail Kilkenny and the various outdoor pursuits centres, companies and community groups has to be commended.”
