Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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92. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made since 2011 to date in 2018 with the development of rural recreation; the estimated number of jobs created in this sector in that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38601/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Responsibility for the development of the rural recreation sector in Ireland cuts across a number of Government Departments and Agencies.

Specific information regarding the numbers of jobs created in the sector since 2011 is not available in my Department. However, in 2014, 1.5 million overseas visitors engaged in outdoor activities in Ireland and this market was estimated to be worth over €900 million.  These figures give an indication of the potential for the sector to grow and support job creation, especially in rural areas.

My Department supports a number of rural recreation initiatives, including the Walks Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, which are having a positive impact on employment in many parts of the country. 

The Walks Scheme is currently operating on 39 trails and supports 1,905 landowners who ensure that the trails are maintained to a high standard. The scheme is managed and administered by 16 Local Development Companies around the country, employing 12 Rural Recreation Officers. 

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme forms part of the Action Plan for Rural Development and, in particular, the Plan's focus on developing and promoting activity tourism.  The scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and the maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing infrastructure.  Approximately €23 million has been allocated to almost 500 projects under the scheme since it was introduced in 2016 and further approvals will be announced shortly. 

This funding will assist in the development of the rural recreation sector in Ireland, and assist the retention and creation of jobs in rural areas, both directly and indirectly, over the coming years.