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Rural Recreation Promotion

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2013

Thursday, 19 September 2013

Questions (123)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

123. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the advice he would give to persons or community groups looking to establish new walking routes; if he will financially support the preparation and maintenance of new routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38938/13]

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Written answers

Due to budgetary constraints it has not been possible to develop new walks under my Departments’ existing Walks Scheme since December 2010. However there are 40 trails covered by the Scheme, with payments of €1,910,000 made to 1,805 landholders in 2012 for maintenance of trails that traversed their lands. It is intended that any efficiencies and savings that can be generated will be put towards priority walks and improvements in the existing trails comprehended by the scheme.

Despite current financial constraints there are now close to 800 trails, listed on the irishtrails.ie website, which are fully open to the public and being maintained to the appropriate national standards. Consideration is now being given to the assessment of the optimum number of trails required to provide an appropriate level of choice, quality and grade of trail for recreational users and tourists alike. This will ensure trails are developed on the basis of identified need and that the costs associated with the development and on-going maintenance of trails will be minimised. Any persons or community groups looking to establish new walking routes should consult with the relevant Local Authority, the National Trails Office or my Department for advice.

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