Three walking trails on Inis Meain will get funding for their maintenance as the latest additions to ‘Ireland’s National Walks Scheme’.
The scheme provides funding to farmers and other landholders to maintain walking trails which go through their land.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys announced this week that 62 new trails across 17 counties have been added to the scheme.
The three trails in Galway added to the scheme are Lúb Dún Chonchúir, Lúb Cill Cheannannach, and Lúb Dún Fearbhaí.
This is part of a phased expansion that will see the number of trails on the Walks Scheme increase from 80 to 150 over the next two years.
Over €15 million has been paid to farmers and landholders participating in the Scheme since 2017, with an additional €1.4 million spent on materials for the maintenance of trails.
This expansion will see an additional annual investment of over €500,000 to rural areas through the scheme.
Minister Humphreys said, “I want to make Ireland an international destination of choice for walkers and hikers.”
“We have a unique offering in terms of our natural landscape filled with mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and sea.”
“Often these amenities can only be truly appreciated by crossing through fields and land owned by local farmers,” Heather Humphreys said.
“The National Walks Scheme is about working in partnership with landowners so we can open up access to local communities and tourists to enjoy these wonderful hidden gems we have all across Ireland.”
“I want to acknowledge and thank the work of all the farmers and landowners involved in the Walks Scheme who provide access to their holdings and who help to maintain the trails to a high standard for the benefit of a huge number of locals and visitors.”
“Without the goodwill of farmers, we would not have access to many of our favourite tracks and trails. It is incumbent on all of us to use these amenities responsibly, respect local landowners and of course – Leave no Trace.”
