Over €105k allocated for Westmeath recreation projects

Recreational projects in Westmeath have been earmarked for funding under Measure 1 of the Government’s Outdoor Recreational Scheme, Longford-Westmeath TD and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke has confirmed.

The funding is part of a €3.5 million package for 189 projects nationwide announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys this morning.

Speaking this morning, Minister Burke stated: “This is key rural funding that will enhance and improve local infrastructure and has under this allocation a strong age friendly theme running through the measures.

“It is so important to provide better access to many invaluable amenities in our county to support a changed work life balance as we hive out many of the opportunities from a once in a generation pandemic.

“Key funding like improving access at Ballinafid Lake, improving pedestrian and cycle access at Tullaghan all support local families as we try and save more time for the outdoors.

“These scheme have continued to build on the range of rural funding streams put in place by the last Government with a key focus on our rural and provincial economy through our long term plan Our Rural Future.”

Some €20,000 has been set aside for setting back the existing boundary fence to Westmeath County Council lands at Lough Owel’s Tullaghan shore amenity, in order to incorporate a path allowing safe access for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Government has also allocated €20,000 for the provision of two triobike rickshaws for use by age-friendly groups across Westmeath.

For the Rahanine Bog Walk near Rochfortbridge, €20,000 is also to be provided for an aerial display board, a colour-coded integrated map of the trails and double-coded wayward signage.

Another €20,000 has been set aside for the resurfacing of the carpark access road at Mullaghmeen Forest near Castlepollard. These works will include age-friendly parking, increasing physical access and overall capacity. Pollinator-friendly trees will also be planted.

In Ballinafid, €20,000 has also been earmarked for the resurfacing of the car park at Ballinafid Lake, including tarmacadam surfacing, fencing, line marking, pollinator-friendly tree planting and age-friendly parking.

Finally, some €5,400 is to be allocated for the installation of interpretative and information signage at Sailor’s Garden on the Finea shore of Lough Sheelin, which is a special conservation and protection area.