Cllr David Jones seeking clarification over funding

Cllr David Jones is seeking clarification from Minister Calleary regarding an apparent imbalance in funding allocation, with regard to Outdoor Recreation funding.

The Sinn Féin Councillor has expressed his deep disappointment regarding the recent funding announcement for Outdoor Recreation under Measure Two.

According to Jones, the Delvin and Collinstown areas have been left without funding, despite local need and support from Westmeath County Council.

He said: “In Delvin, a looped walking route with a safe pedestrian crossing at Rita’s Playschool was proposed.

“This project would have provided a welcoming and safer route for families dropping their kids to the Montessori and individuals out walking, which would encourage outdoor activity.

“In Collinstown, the next stage of the footpath to Lough Lene was proposed, representing a critical step in improving connectivity and accessibility for locals and visitors to access Lough Lene.”

Cllr Jones continued: “Over recent years, I have made numerous representations on both projects and personally submitted the Expression of Interest for the Delvin project.

“It is therefore deeply frustrating to see the Fianna Fáil Minister Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development allocated just over €196,000 to Westmeath under Measure 2 and 3, while his own county of Mayo received more than €1.1 million of the Outdoor Recreation infrastructure scheme under the same measures.”

Cllr David Jones concluded by describing his deep disappointment about Westmeath apparently favouring other counties over Westmeath.