Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if it is intended to renew the contracts on the permissive walks; if the payment will remain at the same rate as present; if it is intended to develop further permissive walks under the rural recreational strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6502/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Walks Scheme is currently in place on 40 trails nationally, with 1,811 landholder participants. These participants receive modest payments for the development, enhancement and maintenance of those sections of trail that traverse their lands . In 2012 payments to landowners amounted to €1.9 1 m. It is intended to renew existing contracts with landholders as they fall due for renewal, subject to the availability of funding. The contracts for three walks, a ffecting 305 participants, fall due for renewal in 2013. It is intended that revised contracts will be offered to these participants at a revised rate of payment.

The terms and conditions of the Walks Scheme specify that the hourly rate of pay ment will be at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine farm improvement “own labour” rate. At the establishment of the Walks Scheme in 2008 the rate was €14.50 per hour. The maximum payment to any individual landholder cannot exceed 200 hours. In June 2010 , that Department introduced a revised rate of €12.40 per hour , in conjunction with two new on-farm investment schemes . Consequently, payment rates for new contracts under the Walks Scheme were also reduced. Existing 5 year contracts in place with landholders continued to be paid at the contracted amount of €14.50 per hour. However, as these contracts fall due for renewal, participant landholders will be offered contracts at the revised rate.

Permissive access walking routes and trails have continued to be developed as part of the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy. While there are 40 trails comprehended by the Walks Scheme, there are now over 800 walking, cycling , and equestrian trails listed on the Irish Trails Register. Further strategic walking trails will continue to be developed where appropriate, but it is now critical that the optimum number of viable trails on a national and regional basis be identified. The cost of maintaining a major trail network to international standards is significant. Accordingly, future investment in the walking trail network will be targeted on those trails that deliver appropriate user numbers, ensure value for money and , where relevant, are capable of being developed to international standards.