Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme supports the development of outdoor recreational infrastructure. It provides vital funding for walking trails, cycleways, blueways and mountain access routes. The Deputy has all of these wonderful amenities in his county and we want to support them. He is absolutely committed to making sure they get the maximum support from the Department.

Since the funding began in 2016, €52 million has been allocated to 747 projects. Measure 1 is for small-scale projects with funding up to €20,000, measure 2 is for medium-scale projects with funding up to €200,000, and measure 3 is for big projects with funding of up to €500,000. The closing date for receipt of applications under measure 1 was 30 September 2020. My Department received 193 applications seeking funding of €3.6 million. The assessment of these applications is nearly complete and I expect to make an announcement on the approved projects shortly.

The closing date for measure 2 and measure 3 projects was 30 November. The review and assessment of these applications will be completed early in the new year. I can confirm that Kerry County Council, South Kerry Development Partnership, and North and East Kerry Development have each submitted applications under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme for 2020. These will be assessed in line with the scheme criteria along with all the other applications received.

In recognition of the contribution this scheme is making to building vital communities and tourists alike, I was pleased to secure a 20% increase in funding for the scheme next year to €12 million.

I know the Deputy has a keen interest in these projects. Examples of projects funded in Kerry in the previous years, to which he was absolutely committed and supported fully, were large-scale repair works to the Dingle Way, access to Torc Mountain, the upper Strickeen trail, the Killeen wood upgrade and Kerry Way promotion. I am sure the Deputy will be able to tell me the benefits these have brought to his county. Since Covid, more people want to get out and enjoy the wonderful countryside we have. We want to help them. We also want to support and improve the facilities we offer.

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