Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys approved funding for planning and design to be carried out on a Greenway link from Castletown Geoghegan Rail Station to the village.

Funding was also set aside for the design of a 6km spiritual and cultural trail in Moate Gateway Linear Park.

Both projects have been allocated €50,000 in a bid to bring both initiatives on stream over the coming months.

Details surrounding the investment have been given the seal of approval at local political level.

“It’s very welcome news,” said a delighted sounding Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Liam McDaniel.

“I live about two miles outside the village of Castletown Geoghegan and there is a hardworking local community group in the area who will very much welcome this announcement.”

The long serving Fianna Fáil local politician said the added financial support would go a long way towards strengthening the county’s broader tourism appeal.

“The greenway is a big part of Westmeath in that it runs from Athlone and through Mullingar and we are really the main east to west connection on the greenway.”

Cllr McDaniel was equally at pains to stress the importance of a proposed spiritual and cultural trail at Moate Gateway Linear Park.

“Any funding that comes to Westmeath is welcome, but this has huge potential for the area,” he added.

For her part, Ms Humphreys said her department remained committed towards ensuring the country’s outdoor tourism industry was developed to its full capacity.

“We’re now heading into the darker days of winter and it’s more important than ever to make the most of those precious daylight hours by getting out and about when you can,” she said.

“The funding I’m announcing today will support the further development of our hiking trails, water based activities and other amenities making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit nationwide.”