Minister Humphreys this week announced funding for 31 walking trails across 13 counties under the Department’s Walks Scheme. There are now 80 trails under the scheme, which is operated by the Department in conjunction with the Local Development Companies and over 2,400 farmers and landowners. This fulfils the Departments commitment under the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future to double the number of trails under the Scheme.
For further information on the Walks Scheme please see here.
The expanded Walks Scheme will continue to open up our countryside to local walkers, hikers and tourists and we see this as being just the start of an expanded role for the scheme in improving access to the countryside. The new trails are to be selected from expressions of interest already received from interested trails.
You can find a list of the trails and walks on the scheme here.
The review of the Walks Scheme has also been published. This sets out a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing the Walks Scheme and the role of Rural Recreation Officers, and will be implemented in consultation with key stakeholders.
