This programme is funded by:
The Walks Scheme is a national scheme involving landholders on National Waymarked Ways, Looped Walking Routes and Heritage Routes, and other trails approved by the National Trails Office. Rural Recreation Officers are responsible for the rollout of the National Walks Scheme.
The Walks Scheme has resulted in the development and enhancement of nearly 40 trails. The rural recreation officers have also negotiated and managed maintenance contracts with over 1,890 landowners.
As a result, significant social and economic benefits for local communities have been achieved including:
- additional jobs in the accommodation sector
- new business ventures such as bike hire and coffee shops, including more jobs in the supply of outdoor recreational equipment and services
- a noticeable growth in registered walking clubs
- a significant increase in the number and duration of walking festivals which generate additional bed nights in small villages and the wider rural area.
- maintenance payments to landholders for trail development, generating an income stream for rural communities of €5.4 million over a 4-year period
- an injection of €600,000 into the local economy, over the same period, as a result of spending on materials for the maintenance of trails
HOW TO ENJOY THE MOUNTAINS SAFELY IN LOUTH DURING COVID 19
The benefits of walking cannot be underestimated for our physical and mental wellbeing especially at this time during Covid 19. It is vital we follow advice given by the HSE and the WHO.
TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
- Avoid walking in crowded areas, if a trail is busy visit at a later time
- Walk at off peak times
- Don’t block access entrances and leave room for emergency services
- Stay at home if you feel unwell to help stop the spread of infection
- When walking maintain physical distancing requirement of 2 metres (6 feet) apart
- Do not walk as a group or join with other walkers you may encounter
- Practice good hygiene i.e. when coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue
- Clean your hands with an alcohol based gel/sanitiser before and after your walk even if your hands are not dirty
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Keep hydrated but do not share water bottles
- Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
For more info on this programme please contact
Mavis Kelly
- T: +353 41 6857375
- E: mavis.kelly@lldc.ie
