Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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1444. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding allocating funding to a walk (details supplied) to allow urgent maintenance and restoration works to be carried out on it ensuring that it can remain open. [48283/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Supports for walkways are available from my Department, in collaboration with local authorities and local development companies, through a range of different investment schemes.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails. Applications from community groups are accepted through local authorities and local development companies. The scheme is currently closed for applications but I expect to open it for new applications in the new year.

My Department also has a scheme in place to support private landholders to maintain walking routes that traverse their land. The Walks Scheme, which was launched in 2008, supports the development, enhancement and maintenance of walking trails which are listed on Sport Ireland’s National Trails. Further information in respect of registration can be found on the Sport Ireland website.

The management group for the trail should engage with the Local Development Company delivering the walks scheme in their area so that they are in a position to apply to join the scheme when it next opens for new applications.

In addition, the LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes, including the sub-theme ‘Rural Tourism & Recreation’. LEADER has for many years supported community paths and trails once they are compatible with the Operating Rules and the Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area. The decision to approve a project for LEADER funding is a matter for the Local Action Groups (LAGs) who administer the Programme on behalf of the Department. Prospective applicants can contact the LAG in their area to discuss potential projects. Further information regarding the 2023-2027 LEADER programme, including contact details for all LAGs and their Implementing Partners, can be accessed through the Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/LEADER

Further details all of my Department's schemes are available on the www.gov.ie website.