Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
309. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if Sport Ireland will consider erecting signage prohibiting dogs from accompanying walkers and climbers on a mountain trail (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1747/21]
View answerSport Ireland Outdoors is a part of Sport Ireland focused on supporting and promoting participation in all forms of outdoor sport in Ireland. Sport Ireland promotes the planning and development of recreational trails and outdoor recreation infrastructure by promoting standards and best practice in the development of walking, cycling and water trails. Sport Ireland Outdoors maintains a National Trail Register of over 900 approved trails that align with the prescribed standards for trails in Ireland. The remit of Sport Ireland in this area is focused on capacity building, advice and guidance.
Sport Ireland does not maintain or manage trails or upland areas in general nor does it provide or erect signage for same. All such work on trails is carried out locally by a trail management organisation for the trail. Where there is not a formally developed and managed trail, in some instances local management organisations may erect signage.
Sport Ireland also provides advice to trail walkers regarding issues with bringing dogs on trails. In relation to formal trails registered by Sport Ireland, advice is provided on Sport Ireland's website, www.sportireland.ie/outdoors/find-your-trails, advising walkers that they should verify whether or not dogs are allowed on trails before visiting them.
I have had enquiries made with Sport Ireland in relation to the mountain trail mentioned by the Deputy. Sport Ireland understands that this mountain trail is a customary route used by hill walkers to climb Caherconree Mountain. It is not a developed or waymarked trail listed on the National Trails Register. Accordingly, Sport Ireland has no direct involvement with this route.
Sport Ireland understands that at other locations which are popular with hill walkers but where there are no formal trails, signage has been erected by a local management organisation e.g. in the Carrauntoohil area by The MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum and in Wicklow by the Wicklow Uplands Forum. Sport Ireland has suggested that the local authority or the local development company may be in a position to address this matter by erecting signage.
