Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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112. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to expand the rural recreation programme in view of the increase in popularity of greenways and blueways; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27444/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Action Plan for Rural Development acknowledges the increasing popularity of recreational and activity tourism and includes a series of actions to maximise Ireland’s rural tourism and recreation potential. The 2017 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme was launched on 28^thApril 2017 and will provide funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland. Building on the 2016 Rural Recreation Scheme, the 2017 scheme has been enhanced and will provide funding of €11 million over a period of 15 months under the following measures:

Measure 1: Small Scale Maintenance/Promotion and Marketing

Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail Development

Measure 3: Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategy Trail Development

Details of the scheme are available at: www.ahrrga.gov.ie/minister-ring-launches-e11-million-outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme-for-2017/.

The deadline for submission of applications under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has just passed. A large number of applications have been received and will be assessed by my Department. The successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible following the assessment process.

The all-island body Waterways Ireland, which is co-funded by my Department, is responsible for the management, maintenance, development, and restoration of inland navigable waterways, primarily for recreational purposes. The body is responsible for developing and promoting Blueways on the Royal, Grand and Barrow Canals, and on the Shannon Navigation to expand their recreational and tourism offering. Waterways Ireland will make a capital investment of €6 million in Blueways over the period 2017-2019.

My Department also supports the ongoing maintenance of established walking trails all over Ireland through the Walks Scheme. A total of 39 trails are currently covered by the scheme. The Programme for a Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Ireland include a commitment to double the walks scheme during the lifetime of the Government and officials in my Department are currently examining ways in which this can be progressed.

Overall responsibility for policy and development of Greenways rests with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Minister recently launched a public consultation process on a “Strategy for the Future Development of Greenways”, details of which can be found at www.dttas.ie/publications.