The Waterford Greenway is to get an upgrade between Clonea and Ballinacourty.
Over 370 thousand euro in government funding has been granted for the enhancement under the Outdoor Recreation Scheme.
The funding will be used to upgrade the existing walk way/cycle way between Clonea Road and Ballinacourty, bringing it up to Greenway standard and also to provide shared walking and cycling links to Ballinclamper and Ballinacourty car parks at Clonea Strand. There is also funding for the provision of amenity infrastructure contained within the plans.
Nationally 14 projects will be supported in this round of funding which is for large scale projects such as Greenways, blueways, mountain bike trails and angling facilities
Great news for @WaterfordGrnWay this morning as €370,134 is made available to upgrade the walk and cycle way between Clonea Road and Ballinacourty and provide shared walking and cycling links to Ballinacourty and Ballinclamper car parks 🚶♂️🚶🚵🚵♂️#Adventuretourism #ORIS pic.twitter.com/01cNnbIWRR
— Waterford City & County Council (@WaterfordCounci) March 22, 2021
Welcoming the funding news Senator John Cummins said:
“I know how important our outdoor amenities have been to everyone during Covid-19 and I particularly recognise the huge increase in footfall this particular stretch of the Greenway has seen over the last year or more and to that end this funding will be significant to users of the Greenway in the Clonea/Ballinacourty area. This investment is making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building upon the economic and tourism potential of rural areas and will see economic spin off which will benefit both locals and visitors alike”.
Speaking at this morning’s announcement Minister Humphries said One of my main priorities as Minister for Rural and Community Development will continue to be investing in the great outdoors: Our greenways blueways, trails, cycle paths and forest walks. The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has provided invaluable investment for outdoor amenities and facilities in rural areas over the past five years.
Senator Cummins added: “the Government has recognised the significant importance of outdoor amenities and the benefits it can bring beyond the Covid -19 restrictions as evidenced by the 226 projects being supported from the €15.7m Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme this year. These investments are making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building upon the economic and tourism potential of rural areas across the country. The availability of world-class outdoor activities such as the Waterford Greenway will play a key role in Waterford’s tourism offering as we prepare for the re-opening and recovery of our economy.”
