Funding For Cycle Routes In County Clare

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, this week announced that funding of up to EUR210,562 has been allocated under Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund to the Shannon Region Cycling Project.

"The grant aid of 75% of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of €210,562, will go towards the creation of four cycle routes based on the use of Doolin as a Cycling Hub, along with costs incurred in 2008 in the construction of the Shannon Airport to Ennis Cycle Route", explained Minister Killeen.

He commented, "Cycling tourism makes a valuable contribution to the local economy. We are especially fortunate in County Clare as the five cycling route projects in receipt of funding take advantage of some of Ireland’s most scenic locations."

According to Minister Killeen, "I would like to compliment Fáilte Ireland and the Government for developing this strategy for reversing the recent significant drop in the number of tourists visiting Ireland for cycling holidays. I have no doubt that the development of these five cycling routes will be of great assistance to local communities, tourism bodies and rural enterprises wishing to use the routes as an attracting feature."

The 27 grants approved nationally by Minister Cullen include over EUR1.8m for the development of cycle routes, EUR598k for the development of angling facilities, including facilities for disabled anglers, €525k for environmental works; over €834k for the development of various walking routes plus an additional EUR466k for the development of a national coastal walk; and over EUR70k for the development of a heritage driving route.

The National Development Plan 2007-13, "Transforming Ireland", provides for a total Exchequer investment in tourism of €800m over the seven years, including a Product Development and Infrastructure sub-programme of €317m to upgrade and supplement Ireland's tourism attractions and activities, and to deliver the National Conference Centre in Dublin.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900