Over €760,000 approved for Gaeltacht walking and cycling trails in Galway and Donegal

30 November, 2021

min read

Údarás na Gaeltachta has welcomed the announcement that over €760,000 has been approved for two Gaeltacht projects as part of a €15.5m fund announced today by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Funding of €500,000 has been awarded to Údarás na Gaeltachta to further develop the Seanadh Mhach trail in Conamara.  As part of the development, it is hoped to improve 9km of surface already along the trail and to add a further 10km to this walking/cycling and nature trail.  This work will be carried out in conjunction with local stakeholders, landowners, social employment schemes, Galway County Council, along with other community development organisations and agencies.

It was also announced that the Sliabh Liag Cliff Experience in Donegal is to receive €269,681 in funding.   As part of this project 4 particular sections of the existing mountain trail path will be completed, consolidated and upgraded.   Donegal County Council and the local community are the main promoters of this project with support from Údarás na Gaeltachta and other stakeholders.

This funding will enhance Gaeltacht amenities and will assist the community living in the surrounding areas as well as attract more visitors to these Gaeltacht areas.  The investment – a key part of the Government’s Our Rural Future policy – will support rural communities and economies and make rural Ireland and the Gaeltacht a more attractive destination for adventure tourism.

Speaking in relation to the announcement Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Officer of Údarás na Gaeltachta said:

“We welcome the significant funding approved by Minister Humphreys to improve and further development these two Gaeltacht projects.  These Gaeltacht amenities will provide the local community and visitors with the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Gaeltacht – something which has been observed more in the past two years as more people staycation at home.  We are pleased to complete these projects as part of our new Strategic Plan in conjunction with Gaeltacht communities and other stakeholders.”