Moate walking trail plan receives key seed funding

A Moate project is to receive €50k in funding as part of a €2.3m national allocation to support the development of 50 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland.

The funding is being allocated to Westmeath County Council for the design of a 6km spiritual and cultural trail in Moate Gateway Linear Park.

It's one of two identical allocations for the county council, with another €50k being provided for the design and planning of a greenway link from Castletown Geoghegan Rail Station to the village of Castletown Geoghegan.

The funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) was announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.

The scheme is focused on helping to enhance outdoor amenities such as walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

The 50 projects nationwide each receive funding of up to €50,000 to bring them to a shovel-ready stage. Once at a shovel ready stage, they will be in a position to secure further funding through the other measures of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Meanwhile, Roscommon County Council also received €50,000 in funding for screening, route design and preparation work for Athleague Village Looped Walk linked to Suck Valley Way.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “We’re now heading into the darker days of winter and it’s more important than ever to make the most of those precious daylight hours by getting out and about when you can.

“The funding I’m announcing today will support the further development of our hiking trails, water based activities and other amenities making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit nationwide.

“These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I would encourage everyone who can to get out and about, and make the most of what our countryside has to offer.”