Greater choice for walkers as more participate in scheme

WALKERS will have a far greater choice this year of well-maintained walkways countrywide because of increased participation in the Walks Scheme, which is based on mutual agreement and co-operation.

Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Éamon O Cuív said there are now 182 approved walks around the country, with 646 participants in the Walks Scheme.

About another 500 participants will come onto the scheme this summer. The number of approved walks where walkers are welcome continues to increase and should number 230 by the end of the year.

Farmers and landholders receive payment under the Walks Scheme for developing, maintaining and enhancing approved national waymarked ways (NWMW) and looped walking routes that pass through their land, or alternatively, their maintenance under the Rural Social Scheme.

Participation in the scheme is optional and access is granted by the permission of the landholder.

In addition, “green roads” in the Burren, Co Clare, which are public rights of way, will now also be included in the Walks Scheme, with local farmers carrying out the maintenance and developmentworks.

Mr O Cuív said he had often highlighted the huge opportunities that lie in the area of rural recreation.

“We are lucky to have one of the most diverse and beautiful countrysides, relative to our size, of any country, with stunning mountains, rivers, lakes and a general landscape that largely remains undeveloped in terms of the potential ofrural recreation,” hesaid.

Mr O Cuív said the efforts that have been made in recent years in this area are paying off.

Preliminary estimates by Fáilte Ireland suggest that although overall tourism numbers were down, 2008 was a record year for overseas visitors coming to Ireland on walking or hiking holidays.