Government to fund walking routes
The Government will foot the bill for a €500,00 investment in tourism routes for walkers, it was announced today.
Waymarked paths along some of the most scenic parts of the country in Cork, Sligo, Wicklow and Tipperary will be rolled out with the help of the public money.
A similar level of funding will be poured into beach management works in Kerry, Sligo and angling facilities in Co Wexford.
The successful projects were approved by the Fáilte Ireland Authority after proposals from local authorities and development bodies throughout the country.
They include
* Walking and cycling routes in Bantry, Co Cork; Doorly Park, Co Sligo; Cruagh, Tibradden and Kilmashogue, Co Wicklow; and a heritage trail in Co Tipperary.
* Angling facilities at Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford.
* Beach management projects at Strandhill, Co Sligo and Co Kerry.
Minister for Tourism Seamus Brennan said the €914,608 funding was part of a wider €15.7m investment package for the year ahead.
"(Tourism) is an industry that makes a huge contribution to the Irish economy, generating some €6bn in revenue each year and employing 250,000 people," he said.
"If we are to maintain this progress, the industry must commit to constantly refreshing, upgrading and expanding tourist facilities to meet the ever more demanding requirements of our visitors.
"I look forward to the roll out in the coming months of new initiatives, targeted at upgrading and developing major visitor attractions and visitor activity facilities."
