Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 434: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government proposal 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, including the development of farm based niche visitor attractions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28646/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The new Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-13 will be delivered by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

My Department is responsible for the delivery of Axes 3 and 4 of the Programme. Axis 3 focuses on the Quality of Life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy, while Axis 4 deals with the administration of the Local Action Groups who will deliver the measures in Axis 3. Specific measures and projects under the Programme, including agri-tourism projects will be approved through the Local Action Groups that deliver the Programme on the ground throughout the country.

Axis 3 and 4 of the new Programme include measures which should provide significant opportunities in the rural/agri-tourism sectors. Two measures, in particular, are relevant. Firstly, the Diversification into Non-Agricultural Activities measure, which has an overall budget of €16.66m, will support the development of tourism facilities and the development of niche tourism and educational services. Secondly, the objective of the Encouragement of Tourism Activities measure, with a budget of €45.4m, is to maximise the tourism potential of all rural areas. The allocations referred to are for the duration of the Programme; there is no specific allocation for any one year. The areas to be covered are those outside the local authority boundaries of the 'Hub' and 'Gateway' town and cities identified in the National Spatial Strategy.

My Department maintains regular contact with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to the implementation of the Programme, including tourism measures. In addition, discussions with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and Fáilte Ireland in relation to the specific tourism-related measures in the Programme take place as required.

I have not commissioned any studies into the development of farm-based tourism; however, the Programme does provide for such studies or analysis where required.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 435: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government proposal to pursue the possibility of using former railway infrastructure as recreational trails for cycling in partnership with Iarnród Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28647/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my previous response to Question Number 188 of 14 May 2008. There is nothing further to add at this time.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government proposal to introduce an all-Ireland walkways development plan, mapping out infrastructural needs and routes and maximising their use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28649/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Progress in this area includes: identification and review of a set of access parameters in the country side and agreement on the key features necessary for countryside code development by Comhairle na Tuaithe, which I established in 2004 and is supported by my Department; publication of a National Countryside Recreation Strategy in September 2006 by Comhairle na Tuaithe; development and launch of the Walks Scheme by my Department, which is currently being piloted on four routes. It is anticipated that it will be rolled out to a further eight routes this year, with others coming on stream in 2009,

There is agreement with Fáilte Ireland regarding the employment of 12 Rural Recreation Officers (RRO). Their role will be 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. I understand that all 12 RROs have now been recruited.

I have made over €1.3million in capital funding available to Fáilte Ireland to assist in the development of the national network of looped walks to a total of 50 trailheads and 75 Loops. My Department continues to work with Fáilte Ireland on the upgrade and development of looped walks throughout the country. I have allocated €90,000 (€30,000 per annum from 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 activities such as walking and cycling — with the Department of Transport and Iarnród Éireann. 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. The National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council, in association with my Department, is working on the establishment of a register of trails that are fully developed and open to the public. My Department, Coillte Teoranta, Fáilte Ireland, the National Trails Office and others are also preparing a National Trails Day to enhance awareness and use of our trails. Sunday, 28th September is the proposed date for the Trails Day. Separately, discussions are continuing with Coillte Teoranta and Bord na Móna to discuss the possibility of expanding the use of their lands for recreational purposes and I will continue to progress this matter as I believe that there is considerable potential here to make significant contributions to rural recreation.