Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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10. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. [61830/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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On 28th November I was delighted to launch Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors2023 - 2027, the new five year National Outdoor Recreation Strategy in Castlecomer Discovery Park, Co Kilkenny.

This Strategy was developed in collaboration with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a cross-Government, stakeholder-led strategy.

It reflects the views of stakeholders, the public and the whole of Government and it sets the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.

The implementation of the Strategy will be led by my Department in partnership with Sport Ireland, with Comhairle na Tuaithe providing an oversight role in the Strategy delivery.

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoorswill provide a strong strategic focus to underpin significant exchequer investment and will ensure a more joined-up and cohesive approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at both a national and county level.

It also focuses on encouraging increased participation for underrepresented groups, providing better education on how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly while respecting our environment.

The Strategy also acknowledges the essential role that landowners play in facilitating permissive access to their lands while acknowledging that this goodwill and the legal rights of the landowner must be respected by all recreational users.

This is a forward thinking strategy that will act as a stepping stone for the future of the outdoor recreation sector and it will adapt over time to meet the ever changing needs of the sector. Through the Strategy there is a great opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on the shape of outdoor recreation in Ireland.