Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
121. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a provision will be made for additional rural recreational officers for the walk schemes in west County Cork delivered under a partnership (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38455/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the resources being considered for additional rural recreational officers for the walks schemes in west County Cork given further submissions by a partnership (details supplied) have been made under outdoor recreational infrastructure scheme for new walk schemes to be included for west County Cork with further rural recreational officers required to cover this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38718/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 133 together.
The 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.
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 Rural Recreation Officer (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. The final report was received by my Department this week and I expect to be in a position to publish the report after the contents have been fully considered. 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 on Friday, 2nd July. 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.
