Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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356. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has received the external review of the walks scheme administered by her Department; if this review has addressed the issue of the role of the rural recreational officer and the equity in resourcing these posts in certain areas due to the number of stakeholders participating and the vast geographical area covered; if in the context of this review, she will reconsider the administrative resources available to the groups participating particularly for the funding of rural recreational officers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45837/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Walks Scheme, which is funded by my Department, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans.

My Department commissioned an external review of the Walks Scheme to examine the delivery and strategic development of the Scheme, and assess the role and resourcing of the Rural Recreation Officer (RRO) posts throughout the country. The reviewers were also required to consider the level of funding provided to the Local Development Companies to deliver the scheme. The recommendations contained in the review will inform decisions on the further strategic expansion of the scheme, including the resourcing of Local Development Companies and RRO posts in particular.

The reviewer's final Report was received by my Department in July. I expect to soon be in a position to publish the Report and outline the next steps in implementing the findings outlined in the Report, including steps to address the type of issues identified by the Deputy. I am committed to working with all of the stakeholders to ensure that the scheme can continue to function effectively.