Alan Farrell
Question:110. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her views on the development of outdoor adventure projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44482/22]
View answerThursday, 15 September 2022
Questions (110)
Written answers
Our Rural Future, the Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, acknowledges that outdoor recreation plays a key role in achieving the ambition for rural Ireland to be a destination of choice for outdoor activities and adventure tourism.
A National Outdoor Recreation Strategy (NORS) is currently being developed by my Department in conjunction with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is due to be launched before the year end. It will provide a vision and an overarching framework for the growth and development of outdoor recreation in Ireland, including outdoor adventure projects, which I see as an important component of the outdoor recreation sector.
Over the last number of years, my Department has made unprecedented investment in our outdoor recreation amenities, through the Department’s Outdoor Infrastructure Recreation Scheme (ORIS). The Scheme funds the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure and since 2016 it has approved funding of almost €93 million for more than 1,400 projects.
The Department’s Walks Scheme also facilitates the development and maintenance of key walking trails. The scheme is administered by Local Development Companies who deliver the scheme in their area on behalf of the Department. There are now 50 trails operational under the scheme with almost 2,200 participants (farmers/landowners) receiving payment for the maintenance of the trails. Another 29 trails have been approved to join, and work is currently underway to bring these on to the Scheme.
I am confident that continued support for the outdoor recreation sector can help deliver on the Government's vision for rural Ireland, as outlined in Our Rural Future.