€220k for recreational amenities in Westmeath
Funding for Westmeath announced today as part of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
Local government ministers have welcomed the almost €220,000 in funding for Westmeath under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme announced today by Minister Dara Calleary.
The allocation of €216,000 is part of a nationwide allocation of €8.7 million for 221 recreational based projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Among the projects for Westmeath are
• Westmeath County Council, Crosswood bog boardwalk, Boardwalk linking the old rail trail to Crosswood bog at Moydrum, Athlone, €40,000
• Westmeath County Council, Newbrook trail enhancement, Upgrade the rail platform at Clonmore to rejuvenate the platform and install seating areas and areas of biodiversity, €39,960
• Westmeath County Council, Westmeath Way, trail repair and upgrade, Works to upgrade the Westmeath Way including updated trailhead information, replacement of waymarking and stiles, €37,350
• Westmeath County Council, Greenway last mile connections Ballinahown and Athlone, work for development of Greenway last mile from planned midlands trail to Ballinahown and Athlone, €50,000
• Westmeath County Council, Coosan Point Enhancement Plan, Feasibility of the Coosan Point area, to include detailed design costing and technical specifications, €49,050
Minister of State Robert Troy stated: “I am delighted this morning to welcome funding to the tune of €216k for Westmeath. The inclusion of recreational projects such as upgrades to the Westmeath Way, upgrading the rail platform at Clonmore, and a boardwalk linking the old rail trail to Crosswood Bog, will ensure we can enhance these trails and in essence support the promotion of them throughout our county.
“Funding allocations under this Scheme have made a sizeable difference. When I visit these recreational spaces around Westmeath, you can see the positive effect the investment has had on these spaces. Giving them a vibrancy and new life,” he said.
Minister Peter Burke stated: “These projects will not only make Westmeath more attractive for locals and visitors, but will also support health, wellbeing, and tourism in our communities.”
Bia Blasta preschool nutrition programme
Separately, Minister Burke also welcomed the inclusion of 17 Westmeath services in the new Bia Blasta preschool nutrition programme, funded by the Dept for Children, which means children in disadvantaged areas will be provided with free, nutritious lunches each day.
The €4.2 million national scheme will benefit 25,000 children and is part of the Equal Start model, which aims to break down barriers for children in disadvantaged areas through targeted supports.
In Westmeath, services taking part include:
Battery Heights After School Service, Brawny Community Centre, Dalton Community House, Grovelands Childcare, Marian Corbett and Valja McCabe Preschool, Na Fea Montessori Preschool, Naionra Lios na Nog, Sarsfield Preschool, Shannon Preschool, St Kieran's Childcare Centre, St Mary’s After School (Harmony CDP), St Paul's After School Service, St Peter’s Primary School, Sundancers Montessori, Sunny Days Playschool, Westmeath Community Development Ltd, Mullingar Afterschool - Rathgowan After School, and Women’s Community Projects (Mullingar) Association CLG.
“This is the first-time dedicated funding will be provided for children in the free pre-school programme to have a nutritious lunch while in care,” Minister Burke said.
“It’s about tackling food poverty, helping children to focus and learn, and making sure no child goes hungry in the middle of the day.”