Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has today (Thursday, May 21) announced funding of €485,000 to upgrade walking and hiking trails in rural Ireland.

The funding will be used to resurface, re-route and enhance 52 trails covered by the department's Walks Scheme.

Minister Calleary said the investment is designed to ensure that these trails are maintained to a high standard.

"Walking in Ireland’s beautiful countryside has wide-ranging benefits for the walker and local communities.

"There are a wide variety of trails across the country, from coastal trails to forest and mountain walks, making it easier for walkers to be immersed in nature," he said.

Walking trails

The Walks Scheme facilitates the development and maintenance of key walking trails by private landholders.

Under the scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landholders to maintain routes that cross their land.

The scheme, operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with 22 local development companies, already has 2,797 farmers and landholders participating.

There is currently approval in principle for 164 trails to be included on the Walks Scheme.

To date, 138 trails have been brought onto the scheme with work underway to bring the remaining routes onto the scheme as soon as possible.

Minister Calleary said his department is committed to work in partnership with the local development companies, landowners, trail management organisations and community groups in the development and enhancement of walking trails throughout the country.

"I want to again thank the landowners for making their land available and the local community groups that work tirelessly to develop and manage these trails," he said.