Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
799. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on an application by a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14724/20]
View answerMy Department administers the Walks Scheme which contracts 1,962 landholders to undertake maintenance work on 39 National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans.
In December last, 10 new trails were to added to the Walks Scheme. These trails constitute the first phase of an expansion that will see the Walks Scheme doubling in size to approximately 80 trails when all phases of the expansion are complete. Trails that wish to be added to the Scheme are invited to submit an Expressions of Interest to my Department. There is no closing date for Expressions of Interest at this time, and interested parties can continue to submit proposals for additional trails to be included in the Walks Scheme, through their Local Authority or Local Development Company. A trail must meet specific qualifying criteria in order to be considered eligible for the scheme, including being of a suitable standard to be included in Sport Ireland Outdoors' trail register.
I can confirm that an Expression of Interest has been received in respect of the trail referred to by the Deputy. I understand that this trail will need to be inspected by Sport Ireland Outdoors to confirm that it is a suitable standard before it can be considered for inclusion under the scheme.
A decision in respect of the new trails to be added to the Scheme will be taken following the completion a review of the Walks Scheme, which is currently in train.
