The Beara bridle way in Cork is among 84 outdoor adventure projects to receive funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development this week.

Minister Heather Humphreys announced a major investment of €15.5 million under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), which will see the development of 66 natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, swimming and cycling.

For the first time under the scheme, funding is also being provided to progress 18 outdoor recreational projects that are at an early stage of development.

The projects chosen for investment include walking and cycling trails, cliffways, beaches, lakes, rivers, bogs, greenways, blueways and bridle ways.

In Co Cork, some €196,490 has been allocated to extend the Beara bridle way and walking trail from Urhan to Ardgroom village in and complete a loop in Teernahillane between Castletownbere and Allihies.

The news is a boost to equestrians in the area as riding on public roads becomes increasingly more difficult. The Beara bridle way was the first of its kind and to ride on the bridle way you must become a member and sign the Beara bridle way membership agreement.

The investment – a key part of ‘Our Rural Future’ – is aimed at supporting rural economies and making rural Ireland a more attractive destination for adventure tourism.

The funding announcement brings the total investment announced this year under the scheme this to almost €35 million.

“This unprecedented investment will also help further our ambition to support our rural economies and make Rural Ireland a destination of choice for adventure tourism,” Minister Humphreys said.

“Outdoor pursuits have become an even bigger part of all of our lives over the past two years. Through this fund, we are developing and enhancing the fantastic natural amenities in our rural communities so more and more people can access and enjoy them.”