Breaking: Almost €1 million funding announced for Kilkenny bike and walk trails

Outdoor recreation facilities in Kilkenny, that will help us all to 'Embrace the Outdoors,' have been granted funding of almost €1million it has been announced this morning (Tuesday).

Major projects across the county are included in the investment in outdoor adventure tourism.

Topping the list in Kilkenny is the Castlecomer Discovery Park. €500,000 has been awarded for the first phase of development of a bike trail. The 6.9km trail will eventually be extended to an 8.5km trail when completed. Works in phase one will include the 6.9km trail, signage, seating, bike parking and all associated site works.

Good news also for Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum in Inistioge. €200,000 has been allocated for the Accessibility and Inclusivity Enhancement scheme, which is about creating an environment that is easily accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible, regardless of the user's age, size, ability or disability.

A further €198,000 has been announced for the Ennisnag Look Walk Walking Trail and Amenity Area. This is a brand new amenity development and will include a loop walk of a 2.3km marked trail from the village of Stoneyford out into the townland of Lawcus, Ennisnag and Cotterelsbooly. A new trailhead within the community centre grounds in Stoneyford and upgrades to the Orchard riverside amenity area and interpretative signage.

The funding was announced this morning (Tuesday) by Minister Heather Humphreys under the Our Rural Future programme.

“Our beautiful outdoors have never been more available to us than today. With the summer months upon us, now is the time to enjoy the wonderful amentities right on our doorstep," the minister said.

The funding has also been welcomed in Kilkenny by Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick.  He said he was delighted with the funding for the Castlecomer Discovery Park's bike trial. As something that has been worked on for a long time, he said, it will enhance the further development of the park. Not only is it important for the development of the local community, but it will enhance tourism to the area of the north Kilkenny and encourage people to visit Castlecomer as well as encourage more businesses to the area.