Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

238. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans for the development of rural recreation in 2018; the schemes he plans to expand; the new schemes being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52464/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Pillar 3 of the Action Plan for Rural Development makes a commitment to a series of actions to maximise Ireland’s rural tourism and recreation potential in recognition of the contribution that tourism makes to the rural economy. Actions under this Pillar are implemented across a number of Government Departments and will support sustainable jobs through targeted tourism initiatives, promoting Activity Tourism, and developing and promoting our natural and built heritage, including in Gaeltacht areas.

My Department delivers a number of initiatives that support the management and development of recreational infrastructure and will continue to deliver these initiatives into 2018.

For example, my Department 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. 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. In 2018, my officials will be examining ways in which this commitment can best be progressed.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland. The scheme was implemented in 2016 and 2017 and has facilitated the development of greenways, blueways, walks and other trails across the country. This scheme will continue to support important local, regional and national projects in 2018.

In addition, my Department has entered into a strategic partnership arrangement with Coillte to ensure the long term maintenance and development of trails and other recreational infrastructure on Coillte lands, for public use.