Cash to open up more coastal path

Money will be used to ensure a path around Wales' coastline is completed

A path which stretches around the whole of Wales' coastline should be completed in time for the Olympic Games in 2012 after £9m was given from a £25m fund.

Other projects based in the Welsh countryside will also benefit from the multi-million pound funding to generate jobs in the "green economy".

Half the money comes from European money, with the rest match-funded.

Cycle paths, visitor centres and sites for fishing across Wales will also receive investment.

Environment minister Jane Davidson stressed the vital importance of creating a footpath round Wales' coast.

"Wales' outstanding 850-mile coastline is one of our most important economic assets," she said.

About £4m in European money will go towards improving sections of the path and making it accessible to all users.

Together with match-funding the total investment for Wales' coastal path will be around £9m.

Local input

Apart from cycle paths and visitor centres, local communities will have a say in how the projects could be developed.

Tourists will be encouraged to come to Wales for fishing opportunities with more remote sites opened up to angling in a Wild Fishing Wales scheme.

A key priority of the funds, distributed by the Welsh Assembly Government, is to develop more tourist opportunities and generate the economy in parts of rural Wales.

John Taylor, of the Countryside Council for Wales, said: "I hope that the projects which will come to life through this European funding will clearly demonstrate how the environment has a clear role for job creation and sustainable economic development."

The money comes from the European Regional Development Fund.