THE Marlay Park to Clonegal Wicklow Way walking route is to benefit from €20,000 in funding under the 2019 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, a Fine Gael Minister has said.
The Wicklow Way is a long-distance walking route that runs from Marlay Park and finishes in the village of Clonegal, County Carlow. The route is 132 kilometres of paths and forest tracks.
Minister Josepha Madigan said there was no doubting the importance of projects like this for the wellbeing and quality of life of local residents.
“As a nation, we have embraced the great outdoors in growing numbers,” Minister Madigan said.
“The funding awarded today will support small-scale local projects for investment in outdoor recreation facilities and the promotion of existing recreation infrastructure. I know this will make a big difference to local people.”
The minister added: “Our investment in outdoor recreation facilities as well as infrastructure also pays a significant economic dividend.
“Thousands of tourists make walking, hiking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits an important part of their stay in Ireland.
Last year alone, almost 2.7 million overseas visitors engaged in some form of cross country walking or hiking, while over half a million visitors incorporated cycling into their stay.
“In addition, one in four of us included walking or hiking as part of our domestic holidays last year,” Minister Madigan said.
The funding was revealed by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, who said: “This will make a huge difference to the maintenance and development of outdoor recreation facilities across the country.”