merrion street

Mr Michael Ring T.D., Minister of State for Regional Economic Development at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs today announced the provision of funding totalling €66,245 to support the vital work carried out by Mountain Rescue Ireland.

There has been a notable increase in participation in outdoor activity in recent years with much of this activity now being concentrated in our upland areas with increased participation in activities such as hillwalking, mountaineering and rock climbing.

Speaking today, Minister Ring said "I fully acknowledge and appreciate the contribution made by the 12 Mountain Rescue teams nationwide and the many committed volunteers who at a moment's notice are available to deal with the wide variety of callouts ranging from Search and Rescue to Humanitarian Assistance and I am delighted to be in a position to assist Mountain Rescue Ireland.”

The announcement is part of the Governments programme for rural development that includes a €7.5 million investment in Rural Recreation projects, almost €10 million investment in a Town and Village Renewal scheme, €5.3 million investment in a 2016 Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) Scheme and the recent re-opening of the CLÁR scheme with an investment of €8.2million.