Waterford walking trails receive funding boost of €41,000

Recipients include Dunhill Tourism Walking Trail (€2,500), Comeragh Community Development Group (€1,500), Melleray Mountain Meitheal (€4,000), and a significant amount going to the cross-county walking trail St Declan's Way which will receive €25,000.

Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh has welcomed the announcement. "There is an immense amount of work being done, year round, by volunteer community trail management organisations and this is a useful fund for equipment, small scale maintenance costs and promotion of our walking trails," he said.

"Waterford has some of the best walking trails in the country, in beautiful settings, and are cherished by local communities and visitors to the south east. These smaller pots of money can make the work of the volunteers that little bit easier, and to keep these wonderful amenities in good condition throughout the year."

The overall €1m funding announcement will support and improve 517 walking trails across the country. Under the initiative, some 203 community groups will receive grants ranging from €1,500 to €35,000 for the development and upgrade of their local trails. Funding is also being provided under the scheme to support groups to promote their trails as tourist attractions.

The Waterford recipients include the following groups.

Ardmore Tidy Towns €1,500

Comeragh Community Development Group €1,500

Dunhill Tourism Walking Trail CLG €2,500

Friends of Dunmore East Coastal Path: Estuary Coastal Path Trail Management Group 1 €2,500

Melleray Mountain Meitheal €4,000

Rathgormack North Waterford Community Development CL €4,000

St Declan's Way Management Committee €25,000