Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is quite correct about the infrastructure that can be put in place for walks and trails and particular blueways. We work with Coillte and many other State agencies which provide services for walks and greenways. I am delighted that we have increased the funding again this year. The Deputy is quite correct that we have too many knockers of rural Ireland. There are many schemes going on and development taking place, and I have to say that many of these schemes are doing an excellent job, particularly in rural Ireland, to get people back to work. This walk scheme in particular has worked well, and there are many people involved in tourism. There are full-time jobs, people working hard and glad to be in the tourism sector.

I am delighted that this scheme is up and running again, and what we want now is for the local authorities to get applications in, and we as a Department will make the decisions. We want to get the money rolled out as quickly as possible.

See this speech in context