Major boost for Ballymore as €196,200 granted for outdoor walking route

Ballymore village is to receive an allocation of €196,200, to develop a looped walking route, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary announced on Monday.

The plan is for a nature trail that will create a circular walking route for the area, to run from the community centre in the village to Lough Seudy, located beside the local GAA field.

The allocation is coming from a national package of €16.5 million announced by Minister Calleary intended to deliver 63 projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). The funding is in respect of Measures 2 and 3 of the scheme which provides funding of up to €500,000 for strategic repair and maintenance of existing facilities together with the development of new recreational infrastructure.

The announcement has been welcomed by Minister Robert Troy, who said the allocation would provide a vital recreational and social amenity for Ballymore.

“Outdoor spaces such as walking trails and cycleways need regular maintenance so that we can continue to enjoy them with our friends and loved ones. They do not remain perfect on their own and require continued investment and care,” he said.

“This funding will ensure that these facilities remain in excellent condition throughout the year. They are places where communities gather and connect, and it is essential that we protect and sustain them so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“This investment will further enhance these amenities, encouraging more people to use them and helping to strengthen community life.”

The 63 projects announced on Monday come in addition to the 221 projects announced by Minister Calleary in August. Funding allocated under the 2024/2025 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) now totals more than €24.7 million, marking the largest investment to date under the programme.

Making the announcement, Minister Calleary said that such spaces as those receiving funding under the scheme, act not only as recreational and social spaces for communities but also add greatly to our tourism sector.

“This is all further delivering on the objectives of our national outdoor recreation strategy Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.”

Concluding, Minister Troy said: “This is a great opportunity to remind everyone of the wonderful outdoor amenities we have here in Westmeath. We should make the most of them and continue to cherish them. This funding will help ensure that many more people can enjoy these spaces for years to come.”