Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 463: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of pedestrian walks provided adjacent to canals or rivers or in forests by funding or grants from his Department and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33262/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

While I am unable to give the Deputy a specific number of such projects, funding from my Department is provided for this purpose under a number of headings. For example, Waterways Ireland restores and maintains tow paths and walks along the network for which it is responsible — The Royal and Grand Canals, the Shannon/Erne Navigation and the Barrow Navigation. In addition, investment in a number of amenity projects in areas of high usage has been undertaken at specific locations along the canals principally in joint ventures with the relevant local authorities.

Separately, the Rural Social Scheme provides participants who are working on national waymarked ways. Also, my Department in consultation with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Fáilte Ireland and the National Waymarked Ways are in the process of identifying of the order of 20 looped walks and waymarked ways for development. Details will be published towards the end of the year of the work required to bring these up to the best international standards and funding of €1.5m has been set aside for this purpose.

Following the recent publication of Comhairle na Tuaithe's report on a National Countryside Recreation Strategy, I have allocated €90,000 (€30,000 per annum over the next three years) from the Rural Development Fund to Wicklow Uplands Council and Wicklow Rural Partnership to provide a network of access routes over private lands in areas of high scenic and amenity value in County Wicklow. Finally, funding for such measures as walkways etc., is also available through the LEADER programmes, which are delivered through 35 area-based groups covering all rural areas in the country. If the Deputy wishes to obtain information in relation to particular projects, I will be happy to make inquiries on his behalf.