Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the rural walks scheme will be re-opened; the progress that has been made towards reopening the scheme; the status of the review into the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25895/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department administers the Walks Scheme which facilitates the development and maintenance of many of Ireland’s walking trails. The scheme currently covers 39 trails, with payments made to approximately 1,900 landholders to maintain those trails.

The Programme for a Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Development include a commitment to increase the number of trails covered by the Walks Scheme and my officials are working towards this objective.

I intend to initiate a comprehensive review of the scheme’s operation this year in order to determine how best to expand the scheme and maximise the impact of the resources available to me. I hope to be in a position by the end of the year to identify areas where the scheme will initially be expanded.