Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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939. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress which is being made in increasing the number of rural recreational officers nationwide from 20 to 40; the way in which a community organisation may avail of such a new position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27293/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department currently administers the Walks Scheme, under which landholders receive modest payments to maintain sections of National Way Marked Ways and other priority walks that traverse their lands. A total of 39 trails are currently covered by the scheme, and the number of landholders receiving payments under the scheme stands at approximately 1,900. There are currently 12 Rural Recreation Officers in place to support the delivery of the Walks Scheme. The Rural Recreation Officers are funded by my Department and are based in Local Development Companies.

The Programme for a Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Development include a commitment to double the number of walks on the Walks Scheme. My officials are currently examining ways in which this commitment can best be progressed. The number of Rural Recreation Officers required as part of the expansion will be reviewed as part of the process.

I would point out that a doubling in the number of walks included in the scheme will not necessarily require a doubling in the number of Rural Recreation Officers, as issues such as the geographical distribution of additional walks and the number of landholders involved will be amongst the factors to be taken into account in determining the number of Officers required. The process of advertising for any additional Rural Recreation Officers will be determined when the additional walks for inclusion in the scheme are decided.