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Walks Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Questions (517)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

517. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current status of the walks scheme in County Donegal; his future plans to further develop same; the level of funding allocated for the walks scheme in County Donegal in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1400/14]

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Written answers

The Walks Scheme was introduced in 2008 and is being administered in County Donegal by Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. The Bluestack Way in Donegal was one of the first walks to be brought onto the Scheme. In 2010 the Pilgrims Path at Sliabh Liag and Mc Swynes Gun Loop at Horn Head were added bringing the total number of walks in Donegal on the scheme to three, with 86 participating landowners.

The following table outlines the level of funding made available under the Walks Scheme in County Donegal for 2011, 2012 and 2013. Projected expenditure is included for 2014.

Year

2011 (€)

2012 (€)

2013 (€)

2014(Projected) (€)

Participants Payments

68,840

80,288

70,077

61,865

Materials Payments

0

2,800

0

7,100

Administration/Service Level Agreements

48,450

48,500

48,500

48,500

Total

117,290

131,588

118,577

117,465

Following the withdrawal of access by a landowner on Mc Swynes Gun Loop at Horn Head in May 2013, every effort was made to resolve the situation, but, unfortunately, a resolution could not be found and the route closed in November 2013. Due to public funding constraints, it has not been possible to add any significant number of participants to the Scheme since 2010. It is my intention to renew the initial 5 year contracts as they expire. There are currently 1,809 participants on the Walk Scheme, 70 of which are in County Donegal.

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