Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1490. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands when a decision will be made on an application by a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21875/20]
View answerI can confirm that my Department received an Expression of Interest from the centre in question under the Walks Scheme.
The Walks Scheme contracts over 1,900 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.
Last year, my Department invited Expressions of Interest for additional trails to be included in the Walks Scheme. In December 2019, 10 new trails were to added to the Scheme. These trails constitute the first phase of an expansion which will see the Walks Scheme doubling in size to approximately 80 trails when all phases of the expansion are complete.
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 understand that the trail which is the subject of the application referred to by the Deputy will need to be inspected by Sport Ireland Outdoors to confirm that it meets the required standard before it can be considered for inclusion under the Walks Scheme.
In addition, my Department is currently conducting a overall review of the Walks Scheme to help inform the extensive expansion of the scheme. A decision on new trails to be added to the Scheme will be taken following the completion of that review.
