Funding boost for Burren ventures

NORTH Clare has fared well as part of an overall €5.1 million tourism investment package for the Shannon Region, announced by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar last week.
A total of €3.2 million in grant funding is being allocated to projects under Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Capital Investment Programme, with a focus on outdoor activities, while additional monies will come from the relevant local authorities.
The minister revealed the funding boost for Burren Heritage Trails and Doolin Cycling Hub at a press briefing in Bunratty Folk Park on Friday, having earlier visited the Cliffs of Moher to support the 7 Wonders campaign.
Another project to benefit will be Howley’s Quay in Limerick, where a total of €4.8 million is to be spent on the next stage of the Limerick Riverside Improvement Strategy.
Burren Heritage Trails will receive an overall investment of €85,000, with grant funding of up to €51,315, for a series of heritage walking trails, which will add value to the existing walking and cycling product in the Burren. Looped trails will be developed in association with landowners and a range of agencies. The seven identified sites are Carron, Doolin, Fanore, Flaggy Shore (New Quay), Kilnaboy, Lisdoonvarna and Lough Bunny. Each of these locations has been identified because they offer easy access to an interesting variety of landscapes and culture.
Doolin Cycling Hub is to benefit from an investment of €13,500, with grant funding of €10,000 towards the further development of the existing cycle route in Doolin, which is part of the National Cycling Network. The funding will be used to provide additional signage and information boards at various locations, which will be of benefit for both user safety and visitor information.
Dr Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development has welcomed the announcement of significant capital funding for a number of tourism projects in the Shannon Region.
“Shannon Development has worked closely with local authorities in the Shannon Region to help secure €3.2 million in grant aid for a range of projects, which have now been approved by Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under the National Development Plan (2007-2013),” he said.
“Minister Varadkar’s announcement is a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to the future development of tourism in the Shannon Region. Once completed, the redeveloped and upgraded tourism projects will further enhance the visitor experience in the Shannon Region and will contribute to the economic development of the region as a whole,” Dr Cunnane said.