A 73km mountain biking trail through the Slieve Bloom mountains in Laois and Offaly is getting public funds of €1 million.
Announcing the funding, Minister for Justice and Laois TD Charlie Flanagan said, "this is a very important project for Laois-Offaly and construction of the cycle trail will yield jobs and tourist revenue."
He acknowledged the commitment of Coillte and Laois and Offaly councils, who granted permission for the mountain bike trail in March. It is hoped the project, which is expected to cost around €2 million to complete, will attract an additional 40,000 visitors to the area once completed.
“I wish to acknowledge the commitment of Coillte and both Laois and Offaly County Councils to this project and I look forward to work commencing on the project in the near future,” said Mr Flanagan.