Walk-ways launched

Walk-ways launched

Neill O’Neill

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuív (right) was in Tiernaur on Friday last, to officially launch the new Burrishoole Loop Walks.
A combined effort of four communities, the South West Mayo Development Company and local farmers working on the Rural Social Scheme, the Burrishoole Loop Walks consist of a total of 12 trails covering over 111 kilometres between Newport and Mulranny.
The new walks, which are fully signposted and mapped out, are in Mulranny (two), Tiernaur (three), Derradda (three) and Newport (four). All the walks in each area start and finish in the same place and no more than ten per cent of each is on the road. The walks all vary in length and difficulty and are colour-coded, which allows them to be easily distinguished from each other. They are also all linked by the Achill Spur, which is a separate walking trail stretching from Newport to Mulranny.
The idea to develop them in one project came after the South West Mayo Development Company was contacted by several community groups all looking for advice on how to turn local walking routes into recognised trails in 2002. The idea that both locals and tourists could utilise such facilities prompted them to contact the Irish Sports Council who sent a walking advisor to the area to help with the project.
All four communities then fundraised together and, with the help of Mayo County Council and the National Rural Development Programme, began clearance works on the walks and erecting signage and maps along the routes. The work on the ground was carried out by local farmers operating on the Rural Social Scheme, a Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs initiative which looks to bump up the income of farmers by utilising their skills to the benefit of their communities.
One of the walks, the Lettermaghera Loop, which is in Derradda, has since been recognised as a Fáilte Ireland walking trail.
Realising the tourism potential of these natural amenities, Mayo County Council, who fully supported the efforts of the Burrishoole Loop Walks Committee, formed a walking partnership in November 2005 which aimed at establishing Mayo as the walking capital of Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of the walks, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Gerry Coyle said they were a tribute to local councillors and all involved and that it was a great joy to see community and State bodies working together. He also paid compliments to the Rural Social Scheme and to Minister Ó Cuív who initiated it.
County Manager Des Mahon told the large crowd gathered in Nevin’s that walking had become one of the most popular recreational activities on the continent and that Mayo would soon become a stronghold for walking enthusiasts.
“The launch of the Mayo Walking Strategy and Strategic Action Plan is a great day for us,” he said, thanking the various parties involved in the project, which included community groups, organisations, agencies and statutory bodies.
Officially launching the new walking trails, Minister Ó Cuív said that Mayo was unique in that every councillor in the county, regardless of political affiliation, supported each other and didn’t complain about funding going into a particular part of Mayo, just as long as it came into Mayo.
“They all put the bigger picture and the county as a whole before their own demands.  There is great leadership in Mayo where people work to bridge the gaps between different community groups for the benefit of everyone. A lot of people have worked to make this happen. The vast majority of rural people here believe in the concept of the wider community and community benefits.”