Major upgrades to sites in Tramore, the Comeragh mountains and Lismore are on the cards after funding allocations from central government.
€247,270 as part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme will be used for projects at the Mahon Falls and Owenashad River in Lismore.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme was established to fund medium-scale repairs and upgrades of trails and amenities. €105,900 has already been allocated for six trails in January.
The successful projects are;
· Mahon Falls, Comeragh Mountains, Co. Waterford: €200,000 – Extension and enhancement of existing trailhead and car parking facilities, walking trail maintenance and improvement of road access/passing bags at Mahon Falls, Comeragh Mountains, Co. Waterford.
· Owenashad River, Ballyrafter, Lismore, Co. Waterford: €47,270 – Biotechnical/ Ecological engineering revetment solution for high energy Owenashad River where significant erosion has occurred to the river walkway at Ballyrafter from recent storm events
Welcoming the funding, Fine Gael Senator John Cummins said:
“Covid-19 has given people a renewed appreciation of the benefit of the outdoors to their wellbeing. More than ever, people are placing huge value on the outdoor recreation infrastructure in their local areas. Research has shown that more people have been taking part in outdoor recreational activities since the COVID-19 restrictions became a part of our daily lives”.
“Over the last few years Waterford has been successfully approved for in excess of €720,000 for the development and maintenance of walking trails, cycleways and mountain access routes...I am delighted that works will be undertaken over the course of 2021. I have no doubt the two projects will add to the fantastic facilities we have throughout our beautiful county."
Tramore train station
€75,000 from the Historic town's initiative will regenerate the former train station in Tramore. Tramore is one of 10 towns throughout the country to share €1.5m under this scheme. The funding will be used to complete works to the windows of the derelict Victorian railway station, which is a landmark Protected Structure, and will bring it another step closer to opening as a community space in the town.
🚂€75,000 allocated for another stage of the regeneration of the historic #Tramore Train Station. Funding will be used to replace windows and will bring the building a step closer to community occupancy. Thanks @noonan_malcolm. You'll enjoy a visit when the work is complete! pic.twitter.com/bPCv0c6XEN
— Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD (@MarcKC_Green) March 4, 2021
Speaking after the announcement, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh said:
“This is great news for Tramore as we look forward to seeing this beautiful heritage building become a hub for the community. The last train ran from Tramore Train Station in 1960 and many older people in the area still remember using the train and have fond memories of the 5 minute bell which rang to let people know the train was due to leave. This building opened in 1853 so it has a long and rich history and is an architectural jewel in the crown of Tramore. It is being brought back for community use in stages and I very much look forward to seeing the next stage of work start very soon.
"As well as regenerating the building and bringing it back into public use, the funding allocated will help to provide local employment through heritage-led regeneration. The building is owned by Waterford Council which received €100,000 in 2017 and €40,000 in 2020 under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme for the restoration of the roof and the creation of an outdoor market space. Further funding will be required to complete the restoration and to restore this important piece of our transport heritage back to it’s former glory but I am confident that will be forthcoming in the near future.”
The Tramore to Waterford railway line which opened in 1853 was built by William Dargan over a 7 month period and it was the only train line never connected to the rest of the Irish railway network.
