The roll out of cycling projects across Ireland is continuing. And now €4.4 million has been secured for nine varying schemes across the country. They range for new cycling centres to routes being prepared for cycling. Above, a section of the cycling route from Lough Key to Boyle.

Irish cycling projects funded with €4.4 million

Just over €4.4 million has been allocated to nine new cycling projects in counties across the country.

The nine projects, below, are being funded under ‘measure three’ of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring TD said he was delighted to announce €8.1 million to a total of 18 projects, half of which are cycling projects.

“The projects which I am approving range from innovative mountain bike trails in Sligo, to developing an 18 acre municipal park in Wexford," Minister Ring said.

“The funding also includes support for the development of a walking-cycle track along the existing disused railway corridor between Clifden and Oughterard in Galway, as well as an iconic trail over 19km along the southern edge of Clew Bay between Belclare and Louisburgh.

“In addition, funding will support the development of a new cycle corridor from Lough Key Forest Park & Activity Centre to the town of Boyle, assisting it to realise its tourism and economic development potential.

“Recreational tourism is a growing part of Ireland’s tourism offering, and we have seen an increase in the number of Irish and overseas visitors enjoying the many greenways, blueways and walking trails which have been developed around the country in recent years.”

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development.

It provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. The scheme also funds the maintenance, enhancement and promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland.

Funded Irish cycling projects

(1) Mayo: Clew Bay Trail Section 1C, Lecanvey to Bertra €500,000

(2) Roscommon: Cycle Corridor from Lough Key to Boyle Town Centre €500,000

The development of a new cycle corridor from Lough Key Forest Park & Activity Centre for cyclist and walker, to Boyle town Boyle, Co Roscommon.

(3) Galway: Connemara Greenway Project €500,000

Upgrade the existing disused railway corridor between Clifden and Oughterard to accommodate walkers and cyclists.

(4) Westmeath: Completion of Linkage of Grand Canal Greenway to Royal Canal Greenway €500,000

The development of a greenway link along the former Kilbeggan Branch Canal for 13km and provision of a 1km line from the greenway which terminates at the harbour into urban core of Kilbeggan Town.

(5) Wexford: Min Ryan Park €500,000

To develop an 18 acre municipal park at Kileens as a natural place for rest and relaxation, including 1km paved circulation track for walking / cycling. Killeens, Co Wexford.

(6) Cavan: Belturbet to Lock 1 Corraquill Recreational Trail €500,000

This is the second phase within Cavan of the larger Greenway project which extends from Belturbet, Co Cavan to Dromod, Co Leitrim. Belturbet to Corraquill, Co Cavan.

(7) Limerick: Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails Completion €406,710

To realise the objectives of the master plan to improve and build on Ballyhoura's reputation as Ireland's premier mountain biking destination and provide for increased flexibility in the trail network.

(8) Sligo: Coolaney National Mountain Biking Centre €500,000

To construct Phase 2 of 13.6km of trails for a national mountain bike trail centre. Phase 1 is supported with funding from the 2017 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.