Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to initiate a study in consultation with Fáilte Ireland, LEADER companies, agricultural associations, county enterprise boards and rural tourism operators to devise a new plan for farm based rural tourism. [18768/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to this question on 14 February 2008.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to pursue the possibility of using former railway infrastructure as recreational trails for cycling and so on in partnership with Iarnród Éireann. [18769/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is actively pursuing the possibility of using former railway infrastructure as recreational trails — for activities such as walking and cycling — with the Department of Transport and Iarnród Éireann. Officials from my Department have met with representatives of Iarnród Éireann and CIE, who confirmed that, as of now, the only line abandoned and definitely available for development is Tralee to Limerick. A portion of this line, the Great Southern Trail, has already been developed as a recreational amenity. I have provided funding to Great Southern Trail to upgrade to cycling standard a section of the existing walking trail on the abandoned Limerick to Tralee railway line. My officials meet with Iarnród Éireann/CIE regarding issues arising from Great Southern Trail and continue to explore further opportunities as they arise.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce an all-Ireland walkways development plan. [18771/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement a major programme to promote rural countryside recreation by a dedicated unit or division of staff in consultation with stakeholders. [18772/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.

I refer the Deputy to my previous response to Questions numbered 19 and 34 of 3rd April 2008. I should add that agreement has been reached with Fáilte Ireland for the employment of a further Rural Recreation Officer (RRO), bringing the total to be employed to 12. I understand that eight of the RROs have been recruited, with the remaining four to be employed shortly.