This investment will significantly enhance outdoor amenities across the county, creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy Sligo’s natural beauty.

The announcement was made during a visit to the Warren Way trail in County Sligo by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, who revealed a nationwide allocation of €8.7 million to support 221 recreational projects under ORIS.

The funding falls under Measure 1 (small-scale repair and development of recreational infrastructure) and the Project Development Measure of the scheme. These projects will include improvements to walking and cycling trails, upgraded signage, new trail furniture, enhanced parking facilities, and support for marketing and promotion of outdoor recreational assets.

This continued investment aligns with the goals of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy – ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, which aims to promote health, wellbeing, and sustainable tourism through improved access to outdoor spaces.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Dónal Gilroy, welcomed the announcement, stating:

“This funding is a significant boost for outdoor recreation in Sligo and a testament to the value we place on our outdoor spaces. These projects will not only improve the quality of our recreational infrastructure but also encourage more people to explore and enjoy the stunning landscapes we’re fortunate to have.”

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Calleary said:

“Investment in the outdoors is so important to us all from a physical and mental health perspective. I am very happy to be making this announcement today which will see over a wide range of capital projects developed and delivered all across the country, adding to our already impressive outdoor recreation offering.

“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme continues to deliver on the commitments in Our Rural Future and the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, and builds on unprecedented levels of investment in the sector in recent years.”

Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer T.D., said:

“I very much welcome today’s announcement which sees a further 221 projects brought to fruition through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Funding provided under this scheme continues to deliver and enhance our recreational offering which is of huge importance to us from a community wellbeing perspective, as well as being a catalyst for tourism in rural areas.

“I want to commend the various community groups who collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and enhance recreational amenities in their locality.”

Minister Calleary concluded by saying:

“I have seen firsthand the significant difference investments under this fund have made. I recently attended the national outdoor recreation conference in Limerick, and it was clear that all of the key stakeholders are working together to develop and enhance this vitally important sector in a sustainable and inclusive manner. As Minister with responsibility for this area, I am committed to continuing to develop and grow our recreational amenities.

“I want to congratulate the successful applicants announced today and I look forward to announcing the larger scale projects under measures 2 and 3 of the 2024/25 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in the coming months.”

Projects in Sligo to receive funding

Project Name	Project Description	Grant Allocation
Barytas mill upgrade works phase 2	To ensure inclusivity and equal access for all abilities by upgrading the infrastructure at The Gleniff Barytes Millsite	€18,931
Curry swimming pool	Upgrading of existing Curry outdoor swimming pool dressing shelters	€40,000
Muckelty hill enhancement	To improve public access to the summit of Muckelty Hill trail with the introduction of steps, trail seating and furniture	€40,000
Queen Maeve trail Knocknarea	Upgrading of Queen Maeve Trail parking and trailhead facilities at Rathcarrick to include surfacing, landscaping and trail furniture	€40,000
Sligo walks	Revamping and updating of the Sligowalks.ie website	€40,000
Warren Way renovation project	The Warren Way Project entails surfacing of the trailhead and trail resurfacing	€40,000
Yeats trail	Essential maintenance work on outdoor recreation sites along Yeats Trail	€40,000