Some €39,000 has been allocated by the Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring to Coillte for the development of new recreational facilities and the maintenance and promotion of existing recreational infrastructures in Clare.
The money is to be spent on the maintenance of current walks and trails and is Clare’s allocation from a national fund of €1.3million.
The works will facilitate the repair to signage and the barrier at Cahermurphy; the upgrade of the trails, maintenance of seats, new signage and vegetation control in Cratloe and general vegetation control in Doon.
Funding will also go towards the general control of vegetation at the access of the East Clare Way at Knocknageeha, general vegetation control around the picnic area and the replacement of the barrier at Gragans Wood; the upgrade of the trails and vegetation control in Kilrush; and the upkeep of trails, new signage and general vegetation control at Moylussa, Ballycuggaran plus the general maintenance of trails at Woodpark.
Minister of State for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen welcomed the funding. “Investment in recreational facilities such as these is good for small local businesses as it has been proven that they boost the local economy by assisting in the creation and retention of employment in the hospitality, tourism and services sectors in rural Ireland”.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.