Coastal walks could become national trails under a €2.4 million scheme to develop 70 new walking trails across the country.
Coastal farmers and landowners, trail management committees, community groups and local authorities will be eligible to apply for grants under the scheme, which aims to increase outdoor trails from 80 to 150 over the next two years.
The new scheme has been rolled out by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, who has called for expressions of interest, with a closing date of June 23rd.
The Walks Scheme was launched in 2008 to facilitate the development and maintenance of key walking trails by private landholders.
The scheme is administered by 20 Local Development Companies (LDCs) on behalf of the department.
Ms Humphrey’s department funds 21 Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) in these LDCs, with a contribution from Fáilte Ireland.
The tourism body assists with the delivery of the scheme and supports other rural recreation initiatives at a local level.
More information on the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027 is here.