Ó Cuiv outlines his walkways strategy

THE Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Eamon Ó Cuív, has asked me to refer to recent correspondence on the issue of access to walkways.

The Minister considers the development of the rural/agri-tourism sector to be a key factor in ensuring the improved wellbeing of rural areas.

He has established a rural/ agri-tourism advisory group to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the sector and to put forward practical suggestions to enable the sector to develop. Membership of the group includes the farming organisations, rural organisations, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Irish Sports Council and tourism promotion groups. Membership of the group reflects the views of recreational users of the countryside through the National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee, which represents the Irish Sports Council.