Funding of €500,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme was announced this week for the Mote Park Recreation Trail Experience near Roscommon town. The funding will also provide for the development of a cycle link to the Beara Breffni Way on the River Suck.
Traditional ground trails will be developed through the park as well as new vertical trails and a vertical walkway and viewing tower with educational elements.
Independent TD Denis Naughten welcomed the announcement.
“The longer-term plan is to link the new tower at Roscommon Castle with this now-funded viewing tower in Mote Park with a safe walking and cycling route from Roscommon Town,” he said.
“Over the last five years, significant investment has been provided across County Roscommon to improve local recreational facilities and work is now underway to bring these developments together in a promotional video for our county.
“These facilities will enhance the visitor experience to our county and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands as well as improving local facilities that we have been so reliant on over the last twelve months of lockdown”.
Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said that outdoor recreation and exercise was more important than ever before.
“This investment in Mote Park will help support healthy, active lifestyles while at the same time helping to contribute to rural economies and will be of benefit to local communities and visitors to the area,” he said.
Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said it was a fantastic investment and would mean more access through trails and cycle routes.
“The regeneration team in our Local Authority deserves enormous credit with a quality application that scored the highest points as well as working with the volunteers on the Mote Park Conservation Group. I would also like to thank Minister Heather Humphreys for her support of development projects in the West,” she said.
Minister of State and Sligo-Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, said the funding was a major boost to the area and to the Beara Breffni Way, which stretches from Cork to Leitrim Village.
“This announcement significantly enhances the walk which in time will gain visitor numbers whereby like the ‘Camino’ in Spain people will visit Ireland over many years walking sections of the route,” he said.
“I want to thank Minister Humphreys and her Department for recognising the potential of Mote Park with this huge financial boost, I also acknowledge the work of local community groups in collaboration with Roscommon County Council for their work behind the scenes in preparing the funding application”.
