Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
104. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made since 2008 in extending the mountain access scheme beyond Binn Shléibhe in Connemara and the MacGillycuddy Reeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18200/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmbracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, was launched in November 2022. It was developed in collaboration with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a collaborative cross-Government, stakeholder-led strategy. It reflects the views of stakeholders, the public and the whole of Government and it sets the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.
Embracing Ireland's Outdoors has committed to enhancing access to outdoor recreation amenities, including the expansion of the Mountain Access Project to other uplands areas. My Department and Comhairle na Tuaithe are currently developing guidance for the Mountain Access Project to aid other local groups in the management of key upland areas using good practice models. These guidelines are to be finalised later this year. Following this, it is proposed to commence the expansion of the Mountain Access Project at the end of 2023.
A further commitment under Embracing Ireland's Outdoors will see the piloting of an Upland Recreation Scheme, similar in nature to the Walks Scheme, which will be rolled out through the Mountain Access Project in 2024.
