Courtesy of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Couresy of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The beautiful golden plover. Picture by Getty Images
A new project in Connemara has officially opened its first phase for new walking trails and scenic loops to the public.
The Seana Mhach Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure project includes three loops for tourists and visitors to explore fit with a downloadable guided audio tour for the visitor experience.
Regional development director of community and language planning for Údarás na Gaeltachta, Rónaán Mac Con Iomaire said: “This project exemplifies Údarás na Gaeltachta’s collaborative approach, working alongside government departments and community organisations to build essential infrastructure that serves Gaeltacht residents while promoting sustainable tourism.”
Couresy of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The project includes the following footpath loops:
Bealach Sheana Mhach (7km) – 2-2.5 hour walkLúibín Loch Bhárr an tSrutháin (2.69km) – 0.75-1 hour walkLúibín Loch na mBruaichíní (3.35km) – 0.75-1 hour walk
“The Seana Mhach development enhances the Gaeltacht’s appeal as a place to live and work and represents a model that the Údarás plans to replicate across Gaeltacht regions in the coming years.” He added.
Galway County councillor for Conamara south Pádraig Mac an Iomaire welcomes the opening calling the site “another world” as residents enjoy the peace of the scenery. Cllr Mac an Iomaire said he hopes to get on the walking trail soon as a place to rest from the day to day.
This infrastructure offers beautiful views of Loch Gleann Mhac Muirinn and the Beanna Beola Mountain range while being an important and sustainable step forward for investments in the Gaeltacht region.
The boggy area is known nationally for its wildlife and habitats including the Greenland White-fronted Goose and nesting site for the Golden Plover.
The beautiful golden plover. Picture by Getty Images
This comes as almost €9 million is set to deliver 221 projects throughout the nation under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). €50,000 in funding was put forward for preparatory works on this development that will ultimately continue to the Galway Wind Park and Oughterard according to the ORIS approved projects list for 2024-2025.
In total, this project will provide benefits to the local community and international visitors by way of promoting healthy living and new employment opportunities.
Rural and community development and the Gaeltacht minister Dara Calleary said: “This project exemplifies our government’s dedication to supporting rural and Gaeltacht communities through essential infrastructure that both serves local residents and draws visitors to experience Connemara’s natural beauty.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.