LE candidate says Delvin 'forgotten' in latest round of outdoor recreation funding

A local election candidate has expressed his disappointment that Delvin and the rest of north Westmeath was “forgotten” in the latest round of funding allocations from the government's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

David Jones, a local election candidate for Sinn Féin and chairman of the Delvin Amenity Development Group, says that he is “deeply disappointed” that north Westmeath was overlooked in the recent round of funding.

Mr Jones highlighted what he says was “the absence of support for a crucial project aimed at completing a short stretch of footpath leading to the Delvin GAA grounds from the town”.

“The incomplete footpath, spanning approximately 300 meters, plays a vital role in enhancing accessibility and safety for residents, particularly for the children and teenagers who frequent the GAA grounds for sports and community activities. Despite the clear benefits and urgent need for this infrastructure improvement, the project did not receive funding in the latest round of allocations.”

Mr Jones says that he has written a letter to Minister Heather Humphreys urging her to reconsider the decision and allocate the necessary funding for the completion of the footpath project.

He says that if completed the footpath will improve the “recreational opportunities for children and teenagers in Delvin with Delvin GAA club's recently enhanced facilities and the planned Billistown woodland walk project”.

Mr Jones says that he will continue to push for this stretch of footpath to be completed. He also said that Westmeath County Council were eager to get this project over the line.