Additional €500k for Sligo Mountain Bike Trail – McLoughlin

Fine Gael TD for Sligo – Leitrim and Assistant Government Whip, Tony McLoughlin, has said the new Coolaney Mountain Bike Trail will be a major boost to tourism in the region.

Deputy Mc Loughlin was speaking as the turning of the sod for the project by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD.

Deputy Mc Loughlin said: “This trail is going to be a major asset in attracting tourism to Sligo in the years to come.

“Minister Ring confirmed to me today that the trail is going to receive an additional €500k under this year’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

“This is in addition to the €840k this exciting project was allocated under the 2017 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

“Sligo is a stunning country and is becoming known internationally as a top location for surfing.

“Coolaney is a 10 minute drive from Sligo town and is an excellent location for the National Mountain Bike Trail Centre, a world class facility that when fully complete will consist of 80km of cycling trail and related facilities.

“It will be a flagship recreational amenity attracting domestic and overseas visitors, of all capabilities, to the region.

“The Outdoor Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure, in rural areas across Ireland.

“I know that further phases of this project are planned in order to complete the trails system,” the Fine Gael TD said.