Cork South West Fine Gael Senator Noel O’Donovan has welcomed the announcement of €648,915 for projects in Barleycove and Durrus under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

The Durrus Coastal Walkway project has been awarded €196,395 to move to Phase 2 to link the initial phase of the walkway with Durrus Village, while The Pontoon Walkway, Barleycove has been given €452,520 in funding for the replacement of the Pontoon and Walkway to provide greater accessibility to Barleycove Beach.

Senator O’Donovan said this is incredible news for the two projects.

'It was so important to me that I brought Minister Jerry Buttimer down to see one of the projects before this funding was announced. The groups have worked so hard to see these projects through to make the communities even better for residents and visitors alike.’

Cllr Caroline Cronin said that she is absolutely thrilled for the Barleycove project.

'I have been working on this since I became a Councillor as it was so desperately in need of a replacement. This is brilliant news for the community and the entire Mizen area. I was delighted for the Durrus group as well. So much work has gone into making this a reality and this funding will hopefully complete the vision and become a walkway for all’.

Announcing the nationwide funding, Minister Buttimer said: 'I am delighted to make this significant funding announcement today for outdoor recreational facilities. This investment will further enhance these spaces which not only act as recreational and social spaces for our communities but also add greatly to our tourism sector. This is all further delivering on the objectives of our national outdoor recreation strategy Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.'

Senator O’Donovan said that ‘it is so important that we recognise projects like these. Communities put in so much time and effort into developing these for the area to make it the best it can be. These will be incredible additions for Barleycove and Durrus and will allow so many residents and visitors to experience the walkways and the scenery around it.'

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is run by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. The scheme provides funding for developing and upgrading outdoor recreation facilities in rural Ireland.