Exciting Progress on Our Inclusive Outdoor Centre

Following the incredible news of securing €471,000 in funding in 2024, we are thrilled to share an update on the development of our Inclusive Outdoor Centre in Fenor, Waterford. This project marks a transformative step forward for Active Connections, and we are already making significant progress towards its realisation.

What’s Happening Now?

As we move through 2025, plans are well underway to bring our vision to life. The first phase of the project will be completed this year, which will see the development of a fully inclusive building alongside key lakeside infrastructure. These vital additions will set the foundation for the next stage of growth, enabling us to expand our services and increase accessibility for a wider range of participants.

What Will This Mean?

The completion of this phase will unlock numerous opportunities for Active Connections and the communities we support. This state-of-the-art facility will:

• Provide a fully accessible base that caters to individuals with a wide range of abilities and needs.

• Allow us to support a greater number and broader profile of participants, ensuring inclusion remains at the heart of our mission.

• Enable us to work with individuals with more complex needs, offering tailored support in an outdoor setting.

• Strengthen our partnerships with corporate sponsors, helping to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Facilitate training for the outdoor recreation and development sector, ensuring best practices in inclusive outdoor activities.

• Provide training opportunities for social and healthcare professionals to enhance their skills in outdoor-based interventions.

• Foster strategic collaborations with statutory bodies, aligning our efforts with national priorities on inclusion and wellbeing.

• Act as a research hub for outdoor inclusion, contributing valuable insights to the sector.

Enhancing the Lakeside Experience

Beyond the building itself, we are excited to be enhancing the lakeside area to create an even more welcoming and inclusive environment. Planned developments include:

• A sheltered outdoor area, offering a safe and comfortable space for all-weather activities.

• A communal fire pit, fostering connection and reflection in a natural setting.

• Wheelchair-accessible walkways, ensuring that everyone can explore and enjoy the lakeside with ease.

• The installation of the South East’s only wheelchair-accessible transfer system, enabling greater independence and access to the water.

• A fleet of adaptive watercraft, available for use with our groups and for rent, ensuring water-based activities are accessible to all.

  
  

Looking Ahead: Future Stages of Development

Stage 2: Expanding Outdoor Adventure Opportunities

The next phase of our development will focus on creating more opportunities for inclusive outdoor adventure. Plans for Stage 2 include:

• The installation of a rock climbing tower specifically designed to support adaptive climbing techniques, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can engage in this exhilarating activity.

• A variety of static team-building activities to enhance group engagement, problem-solving skills, and social interaction in an inclusive outdoor setting.

Stay Involved

The momentum behind this project is growing, and we are excited about what the future holds. The support we have received so far has been incredible, and as we take these next steps, we are eager to collaborate with individuals, organisations, and partners who share our vision for inclusive outdoor experiences.

We will continue to keep you updated as the project progresses. If you would like to get involved, support our work, or learn more about our plans, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Together, we are creating a space where everyone can experience the benefits of the outdoors.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of this journey!