Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the mechanism, in relation to the rural recreation grant scheme, which will determine successful applications; if the local authority of the area will be involved in such determinations; the funding that will be made available to Coillte Teo in regard to the development of forest walks; the geographical positioning of such walks; if there will be an increase in the number of walks available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23844/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding for rural recreation projects under Sub-head D.3.4. Applications are submitted to the Rural Recreation Section within the Department and are considered under the relevant policy publications such as the Countryside Recreation Strategy and the Programme for Government. All applications are subject to available resources and competing requests.

Only projects, which clearly address the objectives and tasks under that strategy or programme, can be considered. Examples of successful applications include: · Construction of a rural walk · Support for walking festivals · Material grants for walk/trail development/enhancement · Support for public recreation amenity · Support for cycling/mountain-bike track · Rural tourism marketing and promotion · Promotion of responsible use of the countryside (such as Leave No Trace) Applications are also received from local development companies to have walks or trails included in the Walks Scheme. Before any walk or trail can be considered for the Walks Scheme, it must first be approved by The National Trails Office.

While my Department works closely with local authorities, they are not involved in determining grant aid. In fact, a local authority may apply for funding for a project which furthers rural recreation policy objectives.

In 2009, I have made provision for funding of €600,000 for Coillte Teoranta in support of its provision of countryside recreation services recreation strategy.

The number of walks available is constantly increasing and details are available on www.coillteoutdoors.ie and DiscoverIreland.ie websites. While there are hundreds of walks throughout the country, those that have been approved by the National Trails Office and are consequently eligible for the Walks Scheme number 182. However, this figure is expected to increase to in the region of 230 walks by the year end.