A national scheme aimed at creating high-quality walking trails across the country has begun its first phase of expansion.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD announced the addition of 10 new trails to the Walks Scheme as part of a phased expansion.

There are currently 39 trails covered by the Walks Scheme, involving 1,962 participant landowners and farmers. This number is expected to double to 80 by the time every phase of expansion is complete.

The Scheme calls on these landowners or nominees to undertake maintenance work on sections of National Waymarked Ways and other priority walks that traverse their lands.

-- Advertisement --

Announcing the expansion of the scheme, Minister Ring said: "This expansion reflects the success of the Walks Scheme to-date in delivering high quality walking trails, and will help realise the Government’s commitment to double the number of trails in the scheme over time. Up to 40 new trails will be added when all phases of the expansion are complete.

"This first phase of the expansion will see an additional 283 participants receive payments for maintaining 10 separate trails located across 8 counties. These trails run for a combined length of approximately 500km, with 174 km of this going through private lands."

He added: "This is good news for landowners and for the ever increasing number of people who want to get out and experience the beautiful outdoor areas that we have in such abundance. Investing in our trails also pays economic dividends. Thousands of tourists make walking, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits an important part of their stay in Ireland."

The first phase of the expansion will also include the appointment of an additional Rural Recreation Officer in County Leitrim to assist in delivering the Scheme.

(CM/JG)