Funding for works to local trails will aid ‘walks’ tourism

THE Sheep’s Head Way has got a funding boost of €10,000 to improve signage on one of its trails.

The West Cork Development Partnership project has been allocated the sum for the upgrade of signage and for improving the trail at Gortnakilla and Funeral Path.

One of West Cork’s most popular walking islands, Whiddy, has also got funding of almost €10,000 to create a picnic area to enhance a trail there, while the Bere Island Trail got €10,000 to replace signage at Ardnakinna, West Island Loop, Doonbeg Loop, Rerrin Loop and Lonehart Loop.

Under the Government’s Walks Scheme, over €408,000 will be provided nationally to resurface, re-route and improve outdoor trails to benefit local communities, tourists, walkers and hikers alike.

‘More and more people are visiting West Cork to enjoy the safe and well-marked walking trails,’ said FF TD Christopher O’Sullivan. ‘It is something that is growing in West Cork and is becoming a bigger part of our tourism offering. I have visited Bere Island twice now in the last number of months and regularly you will meet people from all corners of the globe walking the trails there.

‘This is all contributing to the local economy. I want to congratulate the development groups involved in the Sheep’s Head Way, Whiddy Island and Bere Island Trails for the trojan work that they do in maintaining and promoting these trails.’

The investment is designed to open up the countryside to visitors and make Ireland a world-class destination for adventure tourism.

The funding will improve trail surfaces, drainage, waymarking and signage, enhancing these trails and the surrounding countryside.