Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with the various stakeholders in relation to access to the countryside in so far as it influences agri-tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31463/07]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the latest position in regard to efforts by his Department and Comhairle na Tuaithe to secure agreement with landowners in regard to providing reasonable access for recreational purposes especially in upland regions or areas of particular scenic value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32599/07]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department is a party to consultations with Comhairle na Tuaithe on proposals for public access to privately owned land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30761/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 72 and 87 together.

There is clear consensus within Comhairle na Tuaithe on a scheme for the development, enhancement and maintenance of agreed walks. In this regard, the Deputies should note that work on the framework of this scheme is progressing, in full consultation with Comhairle members. The scheme will be aimed at farmers and landowners and will be administered by Local Development Integrated Companies (formerly LEADER companies), with the assistance of the Irish Sports Council's National Trails Office and in association with local walking management committees, on behalf of my Department.

It is proposed to begin a phased implementation of the scheme early in 2008, with the aim of rolling it out to all existing National Waymarked Ways and Looped Walking Routes over the following period. Participation in the scheme will be optional and access is granted by the permission of the landholder. I hope to announce further details of the scheme in the coming weeks.

Arising from my consideration of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy, published by Comhairle na Tuaithe in September 2006, the Deputies should note that I have also taken a number of other initiatives, including the following:

Agreement has been reached with Fáilte Ireland for the employment of 11 Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) to promote walking tourism in areas where there are clusters of suitable, accessible walks. The RRO will act as a contact person for walking tourists and will provide a wide range of support and advice. It is envisaged that they will be in place early next year;

Capital funding of the order of €1.2m has been made available by my Department to Fáilte Ireland in 2006 and during 2007 to assist in the development of the national network to a total of 50 trailheads and 75 Loops. The funding was used to provide directional signs, marker posts, stiles, bridges, map boards and other materials; and

I have allocated €90,000 (€30,000 p.a. for the period 2006-2008) 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.

In addition, my Department is actively pursuing the possibility of using former railway infrastructure as recreational trails for walking, cycling etc. with the Department of Transport and Iarnród Éireann. Discussions are also continuing with Coillte and Bord na Móna regarding the possibility of expanding the use of their lands for recreational purposes and I will continue to progress this matter.

The issue of rural/agri tourism, in the context of the opportunities presented by the development of countryside recreation and walkways, in particular, is one, I believe, which can best be addressed by the active participation and support not just of farmers and walkers, but also the wider rural community. Rural communities stand to benefit a great deal from the development of activity-based rural tourism, including walking tours. I see the area of countryside recreation — and pursuits such as walking and cycling in particular — as a central plank for rural development in the future.

The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 provides us with a valuable opportunity to assist with the development of this area. The new Programme will cover key outside the farm gate measures such as diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation and development, encouragement of tourism activities, basic services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.

Three of my priorities under the Programme will be:

The development of recreational tourism including the development of facilities for walking, cycling, angling, pony trekking, bird watching etc and ancillary facilities such as car parking, and other services such as signage, village renewal etc;

The complementary development of the broader rural tourism package such as upgraded accommodation, food tourism and other services; and

The development of small or regional food sectors to add significantly to the unique experience for our visitors.

It has always been my view that a consensus approach is the way to progress countryside recreation and my Department will continue to work with the various members of Comhairle na Tuaithe to progress this important issue.