€20,000 announced for Mayo walking trails under national rural investment scheme
Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail and Newtown Forest Trail to benefit from upgrades aimed at improving accessibility, biodiversity and visitor experience
Minister Dara Calleary has announced €20,000 in funding for two walking trail projects in Mayo as part of a nationwide investment of more than €485,000 to improve hiking and walking infrastructure in rural communities.
The funding, announced on today (Thursday, May 21) will support enhancement works on the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail and the Newtown Forest Trail, both managed through the South West Mayo Development Company under the Department’s Walks Scheme.
The Mayo projects are among 52 small capital initiatives approved nationally and are aimed at resurfacing, rerouting and improving walking routes to enhance accessibility, biodiversity and the visitor experience.
The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail will receive €10,000 for path and fencing improvements, including strengthening sections of the route and erecting new fencing to improve safety and trail durability.
A further €10,000 has been allocated to the Newtown Forest Trail for biodiversity enhancement works, trail surface upgrades and the installation of a bird hide and new information signage.
Announcing the funding, Minister Calleary said walking in Ireland’s countryside provides major benefits both for individuals and rural communities.
“Walking in Ireland’s beautiful countryside has wide-ranging benefits for the walker and local communities,” he said. “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.”
The minister said the latest funding would help ensure Walks Scheme trails continue to be maintained and improved to a high standard.
“I am delighted to announce this funding to support the further enhancement of these Walks Scheme trails, so that they can continue to be enjoyed by all,” he said.
The funding forms part of the Department’s broader commitment to rural recreation under Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the national outdoor recreation strategy for 2023–2027, which aims to support sustainable growth in outdoor tourism and recreation.
Under the Walks Scheme, farmers and private landholders receive support to maintain trails crossing their land, while local development companies oversee management and upkeep in partnership with communities and landowners.
Nationally, the Walks Scheme now involves almost 2,800 farmers and landholders and supports more than 130 trails, with additional routes being brought into the programme.