Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
309. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding that has been allocated for wheelchair accessibility on walking trails in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37606/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. Sport Ireland does not maintain or manage walking trails nor does it allocate funding towards trails development or wheelchair accessibility on trails.
Sport Ireland has responsibility for Sport Ireland Outdoors (formerly the National Trails Office). Sport Ireland Outdoors is focused on supporting and promoting participation in all forms of outdoor sport in Ireland. Sport Ireland Outdoors 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.
I understand that funding may be allocated for trails accessibility projects under the Outdoors Recreation Infrastructure scheme (ORIS), which is managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Questions in relation to funding under the ORIS are more appropriate to my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
I am informed by Sport Ireland that they have had recent involvement in the funding decision process for the ORIS and that the Department of Rural and Community Development has been working closely with CARA to develop grant guidelines in relation to infrastructure development for people with a disability. These guidelines were developed in line with the 'A Guide for Accessibility' document which was developed by the Irish Wheelchair Association in collaboration with Sport Ireland, and delivered online by CARA.
