The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced funding to four Inishowen groups under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

The investment will see the IDP being the lead partner and will be key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches. It will also provide a boost to local economies by attracting more visitors to our rural communities.

Up to €30,000 will be invested in each project under the present round of funding – with a focus being placed on small scale enhancements, upgrades and repairs.

The projects in Inishowen being funded are:

Umricam Trail – creation of 2.7km trail
Butlers Glen – upgrade of drainage, signinage, and stone surfacing
Creation of a new trail at Slí Croí Inis Eoghain
Old Carn Road / The Golden Mile will be upgraded with funding from Donegal County Council

The announcement will also benefit communities while also helping to support local economies by continuing to offer domestic and international visitors an attractive and exciting array of outdoor amenities.

These projects, under Measure 1, are to receive funding of up to €30,000 and will be delivered by September 2025. Further announcements of successful projects under Measures 2 and 3 of ORIS 2023 will be made in the coming weeks.