Nine different sports and recreation projects nationwide are to benefit from almost €8 million in funding under plans to develop tourism facilities around the country.
Among the projects benefiting are three equestrian facilities that will receive €2.4 million between them. Money has also been allocated to adventure leisure centres in Achill, Co Mayo, and Leenane, Co Galway.
Six of the projects are located in the border and western region, while three are in southern and eastern region.
Two Coillte forest recreation projects, one in each region, are also to receive funding, as well as a sports and excellence centre in Castlebar, Co Mayo, and Lough Derg International Waterpark, north Tipperary.
Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre in Co Monaghan was given grant aid of 50 per cent of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of €987,996, towards the development of an equestrian centre.
Cavan Equestrian Centre in Latt, Co Cavan, was awarded a maximum of €1.14 million towards creating equestrian facilities, and Mount Juliet Equestrian Centre in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, was granted a maximum of €284,539 towards development.
Grants have also been approved for the Breaffy Sports and Excellence Centre in Castlebar, Co Mayo, and Achill Island Leisure Ltd was given grant aid of 40 per cent of eligible expenditure to a maximum of €94,952 towards the expansion of water sports facilities.
Walking and cycling trails in both regions will be developed through €1.5 million in funding given to Coillte forest recreation projects.
The Tourism Product Development Scheme is administered by Fáilte Ireland and cofunded by the European Regional Development Fund.
