Local TD Denis Naughten has welcomed the allocation of €500,000 for the Mote Park outdoor recreation trail experience and a cycle link to the Beara Breffni Way on the River Suck.

The funding from Minister Heather Humphreys will be used to develop traditional ground trails through the park as well as new vertical trails and a vertical walkway viewing tower with educational elements.

“There is also funding for the provision of parking to meet the growing use of the park during the lockdown over the last year,” continued Denis Naughten.

“The final aspect of this funding is for the development of a marked cycle loop to the Beara Breffni Way at Athleague and Castlestrange on to Roscommon Town, which will complement the Green Heartlands Cycle Route through South & Mid-Roscommon.

“The longer-term plan is to link the new tower at Roscommon Castle with this now funded viewing tower in Mote Park with a safe walking and cycling route from Roscommon Town.

“Over the last five years significant investment has been provided across County Roscommon to improve local recreational facilities and work is now underway to bring these developments together in a promotional video for our county,” said Denis Naughten.

“This funding will not only complement the ongoing dedicated work of the Mote Park Conservation Group, the Town Team and Roscommon County Council but this is also a practical step to deliver on the Shannon River Tourism Masterplan launched recently by Failte Ireland and Waterways Ireland.

“These facilities will enhance the visitor experience to our county and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands as well as improving local facilities that we have been so reliant on over the last 12 months of lockdown,” concluded Denis Naughten.