Government funding of almost €435,250 has been approved for the upgrade of the Western Way Trail – one of four Galway projects to share funding of €929,200 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme this week.

Local Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, said this vital investment is needed to ensure that the trail capitalises on the natural and historic beauty of the setting, and would prove extremely popular for visitors on the Wild Atlantic Way.

“This route has proved very popular for local and tourists alike with its natural beauty well-known to most people from the area,” the Galway TD said.

“This investment will result in significant improvements and will ensure that this wonderful facility is made accessible to an even greater number of people,” Minister Naughton noted.

“There has been large growth in the recreational tourism sector, and an increasing number of visitors to Ireland are particularly interested in walking, cycling and exploring natural settings and activities” the Minister said.

The scheme, which finances the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as greenways and walking trails, also sees The Walks in Loughrea receive €200,000 to upgrade the present route, with an additional €200,000 allocated to develop the Creggs Mountain walk, an element of the Beara – Breifne & Suck Valley Way.

And the Killarainy Woods trail in Moycullen, is being allocated €103,950 to enhance the route.

“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme contributes to the Governments objective of strengthening rural economies,” said Minister Naughton.

“The objective of the Scheme is to provide funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural Ireland,” added the Minister.