The Walks Scheme and Rural Recreation Officers
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
The Walks Scheme is a national scheme involving landholders on National Waymarked Ways, Looped Walking Routes and Heritage Routes, and other trails approved by the Sport Ireland Outdoors. Rural Recreation Officers are responsible for the rollout of the National Walks Scheme.
The Walks Scheme has resulted in the development and enhancement of 80 trails. The rural recreation officers have also negotiated and managed maintenance contracts with over 2,040 landowners.
As a result, significant social and economic benefits for local communities have been achieved including:
You can find a list of the trails and walks on the scheme here.
Expressions of Interest for new walks will open in 2022.
Walk Scheme Review Final Report
DownloadThe department funds the employment of 21 Rural Recreation Officers through 20 Local Development Companies in the following counties:
Cavan | Clare | Cork | Donegal |
Galway(Gaeltacht) | The Islands | Kerry | Kilkenny |
Laois | Leitrim | Limerick | Louth |
Mayo | Roscommon | Sligo | Tipperary |
Waterford | Wicklow |
The responsibilities of the rural recreation officer include:
Copy of a typical contract with a landholder participating in the Walks Scheme
DownloadCopy of a typical participant landholder agreed workplan
DownloadThis is a prototype - your feedback will help us to improve it.