Community input wanted on Ballyhoura masterplan
IN AN effort to enhance and sustain the recreational trails that have become a vital part of the region, Ballyhoura
Development, in collaboration with Outscape, is calling for widespread community engagement in the formulation of the comprehensive 15-year trails masterplan.
The Ballyhoura Development organisation has enlisted the expertise of Outscape (formerly Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland) to spearhead the development of this masterplan.
Recognising the trails integral role in the local identity and lifestyle over the past three decades, the initiative seeks to incorporate community insights to ensure the plan reflects the dynamic needs of the region.
The masterplan aims to address a diverse range of trail activities, including walking, water activities, on-road and off-road cycling, biking, horse riding, hiking, and all-access trails.
By understanding how, why, and where the community engages with outdoor trails, Ballyhoura Development and Outscape aspire to identify key gaps and opportunities for improvement, development, and adaptation.
The surge in trail usage, attributed to factors such as population growth, improved accessibility, promotion efforts, a focus on healthy lifestyles, and the impact of Covid-19, has created a vibrant outdoor recreation community.
This surge, however, brings both opportunities and challenges, including issues related to trailhead access, parking, amenities, maintenance, and environmental conservation.
To address these challenges and capitalise on the opportunities, Ballyhoura Development is inviting community members to participate in an online community engagement workshop scheduled for January 17, from 7pm to 9pm.
The organisation is keen to gather feedback on how and why people use local outdoor recreation facilities, as well as the reasons why some may not.
Community members interested in participating can register on the Ballyhoura Development website. Registration closes at midnight on Monday, January 15.