The Irish Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced funding of more than €1m to support and improve 517 walking trails across the country.
Under the initiative, 203 community groups will receive grants ranging from €1,500-€35,000 for the development and upgrade of their local trails.
Funding is also being provided under the scheme to support groups to promote their trails as tourist attractions.
The funding is intended to support small local trails as well as also supporting groups with the costs involved in managing strategically important trails such as the Beara-Breifne Way.
Humphreys said: “Our walkways and outdoor trails really do showcase all that is good about our rural towns and villages. This funding will be used to upgrade and maintain these trails – but also to promote them from a tourism perspective.
“I know we are coming into winter and the evenings are getting darker – but getting out for some fresh air, to clear the head, is so important. I want to finally thank all the community groups and trail management organisations that keep our trails in good condition. You do wonderful work, and I’m delighted to support you.”
There are eligible trails in all counties with the exception of Kildare, Meath and Monaghan. In these counties the registered walking trails are supported by the local authority.
There are different levels of grant funding available based on the total network length of the trails managed by each community trail management organisation as listed on the Sport Ireland Trails Register.
The grant funding may be used towards the cost of purchasing equipment, small scale maintenance and/or marketing/promotion of the registered trail. Labour costs will not be eligible under the scheme. If a trail crosses more than one county, the funding allocation has been divided equally to each county.
County Cork led the way with €176,167 in funding, followed by Co. Kerry, with €147,000.
