Ó Cuiv outlines his walkways strategy
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.
The Minister addressed the inaugural meeting of the rural/agri-tourism advisory group and made clear his desire for a community-based solution to issues in relation to access to waymarked ways.
Following the inaugural meeting officials from the Department are to meet with interested parties and draw up a discussion document on the issue in advance of the next meeting of the group.
Developments which impact on the rural/agri-tourism sector will continue to be monitored by the Department.
Mícheál Ó Corcora,
Principal Officer,
Department of Community,
Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs,
43-49, Mespil Road,
Dublin 4.
