Senator welcomes Longford funding with Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

Senator Joe Flaherty has welcomed €290k in funding for Co Longford under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

The funding was announced this morning by Minister Dara Calleary and followed his visit to the county last month when local councillors briefed him on the importance of the ORIS scheme for Co Longford.

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The Longford senator said: "Longford County Council have continually sought to boost our tourism and community infrastructure  through the ORIS scheme and over the past five years, the county has secured almost €4.4m in ORIS funding.

"This year’s applications across all four measures represents the largest ever application from the county at just over €1.4m."

This morning's announcement confirmed the successful Co Longford projects under ORIS Measure 1 (small scale repair and development) and ORIS Measure 4 (potential project development) grants.

The successful applications and funding amounts are as follows: 

Measure 1:

1. Lanesboro Commons North – enhancement works to final section of walking trail – €40k
2. Ballinalee Forest Trail – upgrade existing surface, safety fencing, shelter huts and benches - €40k
3. Aughnacliffe Viewing Area – proposed viewing platform overlooking Loch Gowna = €40k
4. Aughnacliffe – trail maintenance and safety works to existing walking trail - €40k
5. Inny Kayaking - improved access for kayaking along River Inny - €30,358 

Measure 4:

1. Inny Walkway - design of walkways leading along River Inny to Newcastle Woods & Center Parcs - €50,000.
2. North Longford Bridal Way - design and assessment for North Longford Bridal walk - €50,000.

Senator Flaherty also confirmed that decisions on the large scale Measures 2 & 3 ORIS applications are due later this year and include several notable projects for the county.

The Longford Senator said two major Measure 2 applications are very significant and collectively represent a €634k bid for funding. These two projects are:

1. Lissard Walking trail, Edgeworthstown – linking to Green Belt’s Educational Park /Green area - €328,765
2. Legga Walking Trail – linking Moyne national and secondary schools  to the village of Legga  and the sports facility there - €306,282

An ongoing issue for Co Longford as it develops a network of walkways and trails has been maintenance. To this end, Senator Flaherty says success for the county with its ORIS measure 3 application will be critical. 

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He said: "Longford is seeking funding for a signage upgrade for 15 different trails countywide  to bring them up to Sport Trails Ireland standard and this will enable the local authority to apply for maintenance funding and upgrades through Sport Ireland in future years. An important step forward for the maintenance and further development of an ambitious network of walkways across the county."