FIANNA Fáil TD for Limerick County, Minister Niall Collins, has welcomed funding for the addition of seven new walking trails under the Department of Rural and Community Development Walks Scheme and funding for a number of new Rural Recreation Officers.
A total of 31 new trails will be added in 13 counties under the Scheme with seven new trails to be added at Ballyhoura Development in Co. Limerick.
Minister Collins said, “I am delighted to see funding being approved for walkways at the Ballyhoura Development. Our outdoor amenities have been a godsend throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic – providing so many of us with the opportunity to get out for some exercise and to meet up with family and friends.
“By adding new trails to the Walks Scheme in Limerick, we are opening up our rural countryside further to walkers, hikers, adventurists, cyclists, as well as domestic and international tourists.”
Under the scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landowners to maintain the trails that travel through their holdings.
Additional funding will also be provided to the Local Development Companies that deliver the scheme locally, as well as for the salaries paid to the Rural Recreation Officers who play a vital role in delivering the Walks Scheme and developing the outdoor recreation sector locally. Minister Humphreys also today announced the creation of up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officer posts in addition to the 13 already in place. These are designed to further enhance our outdoor amenities and the experience of visitors to Rural Ireland.
