Over €209,000 funding has been allocated to upgrade and improve over 20 walking trails across Ireland.

The announcement was made by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

The funding, under the Walks Scheme, will improve trail surfaces and deliver additional seating and signage for the benefit of walkers, tourists and families alike.

A number of trails and walks will also be 're-routed' to improve their safety and to protect the rural countryside.

The initiative is designed to boost outdoor recreation and adventure tourism and to enhance some of the country’s most popular outdoor trails.

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Under the Walks Scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landholders to maintain the trails that travel through their land. Funding is also provided to local development companies for the management of the scheme and the upkeep of the trails.

Minister Humphreys said: "Our walkways and outdoor trails really showcase the unique beauty of our rural towns and villages.

"They are hugely popular assets among families, hikers, cyclists and tourists alike and it’s therefore so important that we continuously maintain and protect them.

"So today, I'm delighted to announce this funding of over €209,000 under my Department's Walks Scheme.

"This funding will enhance 23 of our most popular walking trails across the country.

"I'm pleased too that these projects will be delivered through local contractors and workers, therefore providing a boost to our rural economies.

"This funding, along with my recent announcement of the Walks Scheme’s expansion, builds on the unprecedented investment in our outdoor amenities, underpinned by our most ambitious rural development policy in decades – 'Our Rural Future'."