Ballyhoura Development launch Trails Masterplan with 15-year framework
450 individuals from the community helped develop the new strategy
BALLYHOURA Development have launched the Ballyhoura Trails Masterplan with a 15-year framework for “increasing the quality and quantity of recreational trails” in the area.
The scheme hopes to improve the trails for “residents and visitors alike” within the Ballyhoura area, and to ensure that everyone, regardless of skill level, has access to these trails.
“Trails have become an integral part of the area over the past 30 years, providing a recreational experience for thousands of people annually,” a statement from Ballyhoura Development CLG said.
450 individuals were involved in the development of the strategy, including community groups, volunteers, trail users, and local businesses, alongside collaborations with the steering group agency representatives.
Community and agency partners from across Limerick and North Cork gathered at Griston Bog near Ballylanders last week to join Ballyhoura Development for the launch.
Ballyhoura Development is a community-led Local Development Company, and a registered charity, which works with communities, families, individuals and businesses in the Ballyhoura region of East Limerick and North Cork.
Mary Laffan, chairperson of Ballyhoura Development CLG, expressed "gratitude to Outscape and the staff of Ballyhoura Development who have led and facilitated the process on the ground to ensure that all voices are heard in the development of this strategy."
The Board of Ballyhoura Development also "expressed their appreciation to the steering group of the Masterplan including representatives from Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment CLG, Ballyhoura Fáilte DAC, Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club, Cork County Council, Limerick City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Munster Vales, Cork and Limerick Sports Partnerships, and Coillte for their valuable contributions."
Marie Healy, projects officer for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland said: “Ballyhoura is an important part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and this Masterplan will help enhance its tourism offering by integrating the various trail types into a cohesive visitor and community experience.
“The Plan will also support Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP) process for Ballyhoura Country which will commence later this year.”
A copy of the plan is available to download at www.ballyhouradevelopment.com.
The Ballyhoura Trails Masterplan was supported through funding by the LEADER Programme 2014-2020.