Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
622. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a provision will be made for a minimum of three rural recreational officers for the walk schemes in west County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36517/21]
View answerThe Walks Scheme, which is funded by my Department, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on 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.
The Walks Scheme is currently operating on 45 trails supported by approximately 2,040 landowners and is managed by 16 Local Development Companies (LDCs) around the country. At present, my Department funds Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) in 13 of these 16 LDCs. The RROs manage the Scheme at a local level. They work with landholders to ensure that the designated walks are maintained at an approved standard. RROs also make a significant contribution to the development of the outdoor recreation sector locally.
My Department commissioned an external review of the Walks Scheme to examine the delivery and strategic development of the Scheme, and assess the role and resourcing of the RRO posts throughout the country. The reviewers were also required to consider the level of funding provided to the Local Development Companies to deliver the scheme. I hope to be in a position to publish the review once the final version is received in the coming weeks and after the contents have been fully considered by my Department. The recommendations contained in the review will inform decisions on the further strategic expansion of the scheme, including the resourcing of Local Development Companies.
West Cork Development Partnership has two very significant trails funded under the Walks Scheme – the Beara Way and the Sheep’s Head Way. There are almost 580 landholders funded under these two walks receiving funding of about €650,000. West Cork Development Partnership also receives funding for one full-time equivalent RRO position.
I am aware that an issue has arisen with the delivery of the scheme in West Cork and officials from my Department formally met with West Cork Development Partnership last Friday. I understand that the company outlined the challenges presented by the large number of participants on the Scheme in West Cork and the extensive area covered by the trails there. It is clear that the company has a significant workload relative to other areas and I believe that this is something that we can respond to as part of the implementation of the Review of the Walks Scheme.
I am committed to working with all of the stakeholders, including West Cork Development Partnership, to ensure that the scheme can continue to function effectively.
