€893,454 in Outdoor Recreation Funding Announced for Waterford
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (Monday, November 3rd 2025) announced €16.5 million to deliver 63 projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). Three of those successful funding applications relate to outdoor recreation projects in Cappoquin, Dunmore East, and Villierstown.
The funding announced is in respect of Measures 2 and 3 of the scheme which provides funding of up to €500,000 for strategic repair and maintenance of existing facilities together with the development of new recreational infrastructure. The successful Waterford projects include the following:
Cappoquin Railway Bridge Walk; Development of Phase 2 which includes upgrade works from Cappoquin Slipway to the proposed viewing point over-looking the railway viaduct known as the Old Red Bridge, as well as further accessibility improvements adjacent to Cappoquin Boat Club grounds and Avonmore Bridge. Phase 1 was recently completed with the upgrade and development of the walkway along the quay wall, enhanced access road to the Boat Club, as well as public lighting, landscaping and ancillary infrastructure. The project has been well received by the local community. Phase 2 has received €493,454 under this latest funding announcement.
Dunmore East Coastal Walk; Upgrade of the surface of the walking trail surface of Dunmore East Coastal Walk between Portally Cove and Ballymacaw Cove. Dunmore East Coastal Walk has long been one of Waterford’s most popular walking trails with visitors to this amenity enjoying stunning coastal views along this 7km stretch of coastal walkway. This latest announcement will provide funding which will be invested in the upgrade of the surface for future generations to enjoy. The project has received €200,000.00 in funding.
Villierstown Quay Enhancement Project; Enhancement and upgrade to facilitate water based outdoor recreation activities. The proposed development will upgrade the existing access to the River Blackwater for water based recreational activities at Villierstown Quay. The project includes the following elements: Construction of reinforced concrete canoe steps on the riverbank of the river Blackwater, with associated filling in of lawn area at the rear of the canoe step structure, replacement of the existing floating pontoon with a modern floating pontoon, provision of a canoe washdown area, resurfacing of the existing asphalt surface of the quay, resurfacing of the existing slipway, construction of a path and steps to the south of the quay to provide access to the water, landscape works including removal of overgrown native vegetation on the river’s edge, provision of natural play features, and signage/interpretation boards in lawn area in front of existing boathouse. The project has received €200,000.00 in funding.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan welcomed this positive announcement for Waterford’s outdoor amenities by saying, “Since 2017 the ORIS scheme has provided invaluable support for the provision of outstanding outdoor recreation experiences here in Waterford. I would like to sincerely thank Minister Calleary and his staff at the DRCDG for this ongoing support. Not only do these amenities enhance Waterford’s reputation as an outdoor destination for visitors to the area but they also help ensure the health and well-being of the local population and build resilience in our communities. I would like to warmly congratulate staff at Waterford City and County Council along with the local community groups involved in the submission of these applications.”
Stakeholders involved in the area of outdoor recreation here in Waterford are currently preparing the first ever Waterford Outdoor Recreation Plan, in line with the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. All of the projects funded under this most recent announcement will very much support the implementation on this plan once it is launched in 2026.
Further details of today’s announcement can be found at ORIS Measure 2 & 3 Approvals
For more information on Waterford trails and the great outdoors visit https://visitwaterford.com/activity-category/trails
