Written answers

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Department of Rural and Community Development

Rural Schemes

Photo of Charles WardCharles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

347. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each project approved under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in Donegal, in 2024; the grant approved for each project; the current status of each project; the completion date for each project, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8193/25]

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.

Last year, funding of over €20.3 million was announced for 221 projects under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the 2023 ORIS scheme. €1.3 million was approved for 13 projects in County Donegal.

The 2024/2025 ORIS scheme is now open for applications with the closing dates for the various measures in March.

I have set out details of the projects approved in County Donegal under measures 1, 2 and 3 in 2024 in the following table. This includes additional funding provided in 2024 for emergency works on Mount Errigal. The expected completion dates are those set out in the scheme outline.

Organisation Measure Project Name Amount Allocated Project Status Expected Completion Date
Donegal County Council 1 Knader Forest Enhancement works €30,000 Ongoing 31/10/2025
Donegal County Council 1 Gartan Community Trail €30,000 Ongoing 31/10/2025
Donegal County Council 1 Monellan Forest Walk €30,000 Ongoing 31/10/2025
Donegal County Council 1 Promotion & Marketing of Trails County wide €30,000 Ongoing 31/10/2025
Donegal County Council 1 Old Carn Road – The Golden Mile €30,000 Ongoing 31/10/2025
Inishowen Development Partnership 1 Umricam Trail €29,968 Completed N/A
Inishowen Development Partnership 1 Butlers Glen Upgrade €30,000 Ongoing 31/10/2025
Inishowen Development Partnership 1 Slí Croí Inis Eoghain €29,968 Completed N/A
Donegal Local Development CLG 1 Maylin Wood €27,855 Ongoing 31/10/2025
Donegal County Council 2 Millside Walk Fintown €200,000 Ongoing 26/06/2026
Donegal County Council 2 MacManus Estate Rossylongon €200,000 Ongoing 26/06/2026
Donegal County Council 2 Mount Errigal Supplementary Repair Works €100,000 Completed N/A
Donegal County Council 3 Muckish Railway Walk €500,000 Ongoing 26/06/2026
Total 13 Projects €1,267,791

Photo of Charles WardCharles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

348. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under the town and village renewal scheme in Donegal, in 2024; the grant approved for each project, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8195/25]

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects. Of this more than €7.2 million has been allocated to 74 projects in County Donegal.

Town and Village Renewal funding approved in 2024 placed particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres in line with Government policy, which will encourage more people into town and village centres to work, live, socialise and spend time in. In April 2024, funding of €20.4 million was announced to support 82 TVRS projects nationally. County Donegal was allocated a total of €750,000 for three projects.

Details in relation to projects which were approved for Town and Village Renewal funding in County Donegal in 2024 are set out in the table below



Town or Village


Amount approved


Description of Project


Status


Tory Island


€250,000


Improve the thermal performance and accessibility of An Club/Club Soísialta which is the main social centre on Tory Island.


Ongoing


Rossnakill


€250,000


Repurpose the existing attic space of Rossnakill Tourism & Activity Centre and provide a suite of additional multipurpose rooms including meeting rooms, education & training rooms, with associated ancillary services.


Ongoing


Laghey


€250,000


Development of the Laghey Community Park to develop a dedicated outdoor recreational amenity and play space.


Ongoing

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.