Four new walking trails for Co Leitrim

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced the largest ever expansion of Ireland’s National Walks Scheme with 62 new trails announced across 17 counties. 

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. The initiative is designed to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism and is a key element of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael TD has welcomed the announcement for Co Leitrim which includes;

Keeldra Lake Walkway, Bóthar na Naomh, (Cloone) Crummy Loop and Mullaghgarve Mass Rock, Kiltubrid.

“This is great news for Leitrim, I want to acknowledge the team at Leitrim Development Company and their outdoor recreation officer in particular for placing these applications before the department”.

“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 especially here in Leitrim and Sligo 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.”

“Getting out into the fresh air for a walk is good for the body and good for the mind. These trails allow people of all ages and ability the opportunity to enjoy open countryside, riverside walks and mountains hikes” concluded Deputy Feighan

Local FG councillors Enda McGloin and Ita Reynolds-Flynn also welcomed the announcement for the walks which are based in the Ballinamore Electoral Area.

Cllr McGloin paid tribute to the local community in Kiltubrid who have worked with Leitrim Development Company and Leitrim County Council to develop Crummy and most recently the Mass Rock at Mullaghgarve.

“This is another example of investment by this government and Minister Heather Humphreys in rural Co Leitrim which enhances our leisure facilities for both natives and visitors alike, hopefully more walks will be considered under the next tranche of announcements” concluded Cllr McGloin.

Under the Walks Scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landholders to maintain the walking trails that go through their holdings. The Scheme is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with Local Development Companies. 

Over €15 million has been paid to farmers and landholders participating on 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.

he Department is now inviting expressions of interest from LDCs for new trails and substantial extensions to existing trails. Potential applicants (e.g. trail management committees, community groups, local authorities, and other similar entities) should be advised that expressions of interest must be made through LDCs in respect of trails that are eligible for inclusion in the scheme. The closing date for EOIs is 11th October 2024. 

Minister Humphreys concluded by saying,

“Due to the phenomenal response to this expansion, I am formally launching a further call for expressions of interest to join the Walks Scheme.

“I would encourage trail management committees, community groups and other similar bodies to contact their nearest Local Development Company to make an expression of interest for trails they would like to include in the scheme.”