Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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29. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of meetings held of Comhairle na Tuaithe in 2017 and to date in 2018; the progress made in the development of rural and outdoor recreation in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45959/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department was established on 19th July 2017. Since then, I met with the members of Comhairle na Tuaithe on 13th February 2018, and Comhairle met on two further occasions, 16th May 2018 and 5th July 2018.

My meeting with Comhairle on 13th February was to hear directly from the members their views on the recommendations of the independent review of Comhairle and the Countryside Recreation Strategy which was finalised in March 2016.  I also heard the members' views on the future direction of Comhairle and on the development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland generally. That meeting was very constructive in helping me to formulate proposals for the future development of the sector.

My officials presented initial proposals to the Comhairle members at the meeting of 16th May 2018 and, through my officials, I received detailed feedback from the members on those proposals. I have considered that feedback in the context of a wider focus on the development of the rural recreation sector and I will make a final decision regarding the future operations of Comhairle na Tuaithe shortly.

Responsibility for the development of rural and outdoor recreation is shared across a number of Government Departments. However, my Department supports rural recreation primarily through the Walks Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to double the funding available for the Walks Scheme and to increase the number of trails covered.  Budget 2019 provided an increase for the Walks Scheme from €2 million per annum, to €4 million per annum.  I will shortly be initiating a review of the operation of scheme which will inform decisions regarding its expansion.  

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreation infrastructure and/or the maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in Ireland.  Almost 500 projects around the country have been approved for funding of over €20 million under this scheme since the end of 2016.