Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the uptake for the new walk scheme; the number of walks and landowners that have applied for the scheme; the location of these walks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18811/08]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost involved in the new walk scheme as administered by his Department; if it will improve access to the countryside; if his Department will examine new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18812/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 25 together.

The Walks Scheme is being introduced, on a pilot basis, in the following areas:

The Éamonn a' Chnoic Looped Walk in Upperchurch, Tipperary

The Sheep's Head Way in West Cork

The Suck Valley Way in South Roscommon/Galway

The Blue Stack Way in Donegal

Work is under way in agreeing workplans for maintenance with landholders. As individual payments will vary in accordance with the amount of maintenance required on the trails, it is not yet possible to calculate what the level of expenditure will be. My intention is that, when the applications for the pilot areas have been processed, the scheme will be expanded.

The scheme has been designed to ensure that permissive walks are maintained to the highest standards and remain open to walkers generally. The question of access to the countryside is being addressed by a sub-group of Comhairle na Tuaithe which is to report shortly on the legal issues involved.