Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the voices of anger that have been expressed in the German media by disappointed tourists who returned from here having experienced blocked access to country walks (details supplied); the action he proposes to take to ensure that the commitments by him to facilitate ease of access to countryside walking here are pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11080/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the article referred to by the Deputy which, I understand, has appeared on a website blog. While I acknowledge that different users of our walking trails can have different experiences, I am disappointed that the position represented in the article does not reflect the very significant progress that has been made in this area in recent years.

There is a commitment at all levels of Government to provide a quality experience for all walkers, including tourists. This has been underpinned by the excellent work of Comhairle na Tuaithe and by many other stakeholders. The development of the Walks Scheme has seen unprecedented progress in this area, with 27 trails specifically supported under the Scheme. This is in addition to other initiatives, for example in the area of looped walks, where there are now 165 such facilities available throughout the countryside.

I am aware that several of the specific points raised in the article are inherent to the nature of the walks, such as weather-related issues and archaeological sensitivities. Overall, I believe the position in these areas is more positive and walker-friendly than has been described. I should also point out that my Department actively engages in resolving disputes where access is threatened or denied and, in addition, the 12 Rural Recreation Officers who are employed throughout the country, work diligently in following up access issues and liaising with walkers. I am of the view that when it comes to the development of walks and access issues, a local community-based approach is the best way forward and indeed, many of the controversial access points throughout the country have been resolved through engagement with landholders and local communities.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of landowners who have volunteered to participate in the two pilot walking schemes at Carauntwohill, County Kerry and Mount Gable, County Galway; if these two pilot schemes have been completed; the number of new schemes planned; when they will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11079/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department, through the work of Comhairle Na Tuaithe, is engaged in the development of pilot schemes to facilitate access to upland areas for recreation purposes. In relation to the pilot project at Mount Gable, good progress has been made in identifying the land-holders concerned and in securing their agreement for permissive access to the upland areas. To date, some 25 land-holders have indicated willingness to participate in the pilot project and there have been very constructive engagements with a range of community and recreation interest groups who are involved in the development of this project. The pilot project at Carrauntoohill is at an earlier stage of development. Some ten land-holders have agreed to participate and work is ongoing to identify both the scope of the uplands area to be covered and the land-holders involved.

It is anticipated that both pilot projects will be launched during 2010. Depending on the progress in this regard, I anticipate rolling out arrangements for uplands access nationally as soon as possible, with the assistance of the Local Development Companies and other stakeholders, including those involved with Comhairle na Tuaithe. I am keen to address what I consider is the significant demand for unrestricted hill walking and I believe having well delivered pilot projects, with broad community involvement, is an important first step in this initiative.