The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has announced the largest ever expansion of Ireland’s National Walks Scheme.
62 new way-marked walking and hiking trails have been added to the scheme across 17 counties.
The total number of nationally recognised trails now stands at over 140, up from just 40 trails in 2019.
The latest announcement includes five trails on two offshore islands – Inis Meáin and Oileán Chléire.
Trails under the National Walks Scheme, which aims to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism, have also been opened in counties Monaghan and Wexford for the first time.
The government is aiming to increase the number of walking trails across the country to 150 over the next two years.
Walks scheme
Under the walks scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landholders to maintain the walking trails that go through their holdings.
Over €15 million has been paid to farmers and landholders participating on the scheme since 2017, with an additional €1.4 million spent on materials for the maintenance of trails.
This latest expansion will see an additional annual investment of over €500,000 to rural areas through the scheme.
The scheme is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with local development companies (LDCs).
Among the new Walks Scheme trails announced by Minister Humphreys are:
- Lúb Dún Fearbhaí, Inis Meáin, Co. na Gaillimhe;
- Carrigmeal Woodland Loops, Co. Laois;
- Strickeen Mountain Walk, Co. Kerry;
- Cullentra Trail, Co. Wexford;
- The Devils Chimney, Co. Sligo;
- Ardmore Cliff Walk, Co. Waterford;
- Six Fastnet Trails, Co. Cork;
- The Monaghan Way, Co. Monaghan.
Announcing the expansion at the Carrigmeal Woods Loop Trails in Co. Laois, Minister Humphreys said that she wants to make Ireland “an international destination of choice for walkers and hikers”.
“We have a unique offering in terms of our natural landscape filled with mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and sea.
“Often these amenities can only be truly appreciated by crossing through fields and land owned by local farmers,” she said.
Landowners
The minister said that the National Walks Scheme is about “working in partnership with landowners”.
“I want to acknowledge and thank the work of all the farmers and landowners involved in the walks scheme who provide access to their holdings and who help to maintain the trails to a high standard for the benefit of a huge number of locals and visitors.
“Without the goodwill of farmers we would not have access to many of our favourite tracks and trails.
“It is incumbent on all of us to use these amenities responsibly, respect local landowners and of course – Leave No Trace,” she said.
The department is now inviting expressions of interest from LDCs for new trails and substantial extensions to existing trails. The closing date for is October 11, 2024.