Slieve Blooms get over €150k for tourism project
A spectacular scene in the Slieve Blooms. File image
MORE than €150,000 has been granted for enhancement of the beautiful Slieve Bloom Mountains as a tourist destination.
A total of €152,350 was announced this week for new information boards in key areas and the installation of ‘Destination Slieve Bloom’ signs, on the Laois side of the mountain range.
The funding is part of phase two of an ongoing tourism project, which has already brought improvements that include a much-needed new car park in Glenbarrow, which was provided by Laois Co Council with government funding.
The latest grants come from the national Outdoor Recreation Fund, with nearly €500,000 awarded to Laois and two other midland counties.
The other midland grants are €135,000 for an additional loop walk on the Edenderry Grand Canal in Offaly and €196,200 for a new nature trail in Ballymore, Westmeath.
Welcoming the latest grant, Laois TD Seán Fleming said that developing the Slieve Blooms area as a destination is ‘a priority’ and that ‘significant improvements’ have already been made.
He said: ‘Many people use the Slieve Blooms as an area for walking and outdoor recreation. I advise all local people who have not been up in the Slieve Blooms in recent times to put it on their ‘to do list’ for 2026.
‘I assure you that people will be highly impressed by the scenic views, walking tracks, nature and wildlife, picnic and car park facilities already in place.’
Over €16.5m for 63 outdoor recreation projects nationwide was announced on 3 November by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
