The announcement yesterday by Minister Heather Humphries that she is to allocate €50,000 to Meath County Council for design and environmental assessment work for a proposed boardwalk through the dunes from Mornington to Bettystown has been widely welcomed.

The €50k for this project is part of a €2.3 million funding to develop 50 outdoor recreation projects nationwide under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), which is used to enhanced outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “We’re now heading into the darker days of winter and it’s more important than ever to make the most of those precious daylight hours by getting out and about when you can.

“The funding I’m announcing today will support the further development of our hiking trails, water-based activities and other amenities making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit nationwide.

“These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I would encourage everyone who can to get out and about and make the most of what our countryside has to offer.”

Fine Gael TD, Fergus, O'Dowd warmly welcomed the announcement as did local Fine Gael Councillor Sharon Tolan, who said:

“I’m delighted that my colleague, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, has announced this funding.

“€50,000 has been awarded to Meath County Council for work on my proposed elevated beach boardwalk between Bettystown to Mornington, which when ultimately delivered, will also provide a major boost to the local economy here by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation as a destination for tourists to explore.

“The project will receive funding of €50,000 to bring it to a shovel-ready stage. Once at a shovel ready stage, we will be in a position to secure further funding through the other measures of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

“Funding for the delivery of projects on the ground under the other Measures of the scheme will be announced by Minister Humphreys early next year.

“Government’s Rural Development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’, has enabled record investment in our outdoor amenities at a level never before seen in Ireland.

“It’s also part of Fine Gael’s commitment to ensuring stronger, safer communities and making our rural towns and villages places that people can work, live and raise a family,” Tolan concluded.

The Cathaoirleach of the South Drogheda-East Meath Municipal District, Fianna Fáil Councillor Stephen McKee, has also welcomed the announcement saying it was key to enhancing outdoor amenities at our beaches. 

"This is a really important and worthwhile project for the area which will enhance the beach experience for locals and tourists alike and improve accessibility to our beautiful East Meath coast" McKee said.