- 22 new trails, across 10 different counties, added to the Walks Scheme.
- 164 trails, involving 2,850 landholders, now supported under the initiative.
- Funding of €465,000 announced to enhance and upgrade 49 walking trails across the country.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has today (Friday, 16 May) announced 22 new trails that will be joining his Department’s Walks Scheme, as well as over €465,000 in funding for projects to support and enhance 49 trails already on the Walks Scheme.
The 22 new trails announced today are spread over 10 counties and include trails such as Siúlóid an tSáis in Kerry, involving 40 landowners, and the Keenagh Loop in Mayo, with over 20 landowners. There are also two trails located on Clare Island. The details of the 22 new trails can be found in the notes section below.
In addition, Minister Calleary also announced funding of over €465,000 under the Walks Scheme Development Fund to support and enhance 49 trails that are already on the Walks Scheme.
Projects supported include small scale trail surface improvements, signage and waymarking, new picnic and recreation areas, and rerouting of trails away from busy roads. These projects will be led by local development companies in collaboration with landowners, community trail management organisations and other stakeholders. The list of projects is available in the notes section below.
Making the announcement, Minister Calleary said:
“In Ireland, one of our most valuable resources is our beautiful countryside. We are very fortunate to have wonderful walking trails all across the country and to have generous landowners who are willing to allow the public access to trails that cross their lands.
“I am pleased to announce today the approval in principle for 22 trails to join the Walks Scheme, as well as funding to support the further enhancement of 49 trails already on the scheme.
The announcement today fulfils a commitment in Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, to increase the number of trails on the Walks Scheme to 150.