Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the further development of the rural recreation sector in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5582/13]
View answerMy Department continues to engage with up to 12 Local Development Companies where Service Level Agreements are in place to deliver a range of rural recreation services , including the continued implementation of the Walks Scheme and other appropriate schemes or actions to implement relevant objectives of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy. The Walks Scheme was launched in March 2008 on the recommendation of Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council). It represents an innovative response to facilitating the development and maintenance of many of Ireland’s key walking trails. The Scheme brings in landholders as key participants in the provision of high quality walking trails, by contracting them to undertake maintenance work on the selected trails, in line with agreed work plans. It is currently operating on 40 trails supported by 1,811 landowners.
My Department chairs regular meetings of Comhairle Na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council) where matters are discussed relating to rural recreation/activity tourism and furthering the implementation of the priorities of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy (NCRS). Comhairle Na Tuaithe was established in February 2004 with a primary focus on the following priority areas; access to the countryside, developing a countryside code and developing a countryside recreation strategy. It comprises representatives of the farming organisations, recreational users of the countryside and state bodies with an interest in the countryside.
My Department is continuing negotiations with a number of State Agencies to agree a National Outdoor Recreation Plan for Public Lands and Waters in Ireland . It is intended to put in place a structure to ensure coordinated and appropriate development of State lands for recreation and activity tourism purposes. Over 15% of the lands and waters in the State are under the control of various Agencies and Departments and offer significant potential for further development. A coordinated approach will facilitate greater efficiency in the use of existing resources and support professional development of those working in the sector. In addition, my Department is a main funding partner of Leave No Trace Ireland which promotes responsible recreational use in the outdoors. It encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to act responsibly in the outdoors and to do their part to protect those lands used by the public for the benefit of the environment and for future generations.
A Mountain Access scheme is under development. It is intended to facilitate access to the uplands for hill walking and similar activities. A pilot scheme has been initiated at Mount Gable in Connemara and discussions are ongoing for a similar type scheme at Carrauntuohil, Co. Kerry, with the possibility of being extended to the entire MacGillicuddy Reeks. Discussions with local landowners have been initiated and it is intended to progress consideration of the most appropriate management structures and funding mechanisms during the first half of 2013. To support the ongoing development of Mountain Access areas and to facilitate access to the countryside for other recreational pursuits, my Department is currently negotiating the implementation of a National Indemnity Scheme which would indemnify private landowners against claims from recreational users for injury or damage to property. The Occupiers Liability Act of 1995 already provides significant protection to landowners, but the upfront costs of successfully defending a claim can be difficult. Perceptions regarding potential liability for claims from recreational users, due to injury or damage to personal property, have made access agreements more challenging . The proposed National Indemnity Scheme has the potential to address these perceptions and to unlock the latent potential of our countryside for recreation and activity tourism. This will support the economic development of rural communities and enhance employment capacity in those areas.
The State Claims Agency , with the cooperation and support of my Department and other key State Agencies, has established an Irish branch of the Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group (VSCG). It will use and further develop best practice to achieve a safe and pleasant experience for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to the countryside. Discussions are ongoing with other key stakeholders and partners such as Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the National Trails Office regarding the development of greenways and cycleways and to secure better coordination and oversight of future proposed developments.
