Minister launches new outdoor recreational strategy at Discovery Park

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has  launched Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors - an ambitious and transformational National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

The five year strategy was launched in Castlecomer Discovery Park  where the Ardra Loop Walk and Arboretum Walk was also officially opened by the Minister.

Those in attendance were bathed in winter sunshine  as Minister Humphreys, in the presence of Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, cut the red ribbon to re-open these wonderful free amenities. The Minister commented that fantastic work had been done by Kilkenny County Council to restore these  beautiful walkways for everyone to enjoy.

Christmas carol service at St Mary’s Cathedral in Kilkenny

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors was developed in partnership with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a collaborative cross-government strategy that reflects the views of stakeholders and the public.

 The new strategy will set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come bringing huge economic and health benefits to communities across the country.

Launching Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, Minister Humphreys said:

“The pandemic awakened a new discovery to explore amongst the Irish public. When we were confined to our counties or we could only meet friends and family outdoors, we gained a new found appreciation for the unique amenities we have on our doorstep whether it’s our forest parks, our mountain trails, our rivers, our greenways or our stunning beaches. Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors is about building on this momentum. It is about the strategic development of Ireland’s Outdoor Recreation sector so we can deliver maximum benefits to communities across the country. Those benefits are huge. Spending time outdoors supports our mental and physical health and it improves our quality of life. There also huge economic benefits, particularly for rural communities, with over 2.7 million overseas visitors taking part in outdoor activities every year in Ireland. Through this Strategy – I believe we can make Ireland the destination of choice internationally for outdoor recreation and adventure tourism.”

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors focuses on bringing a more cohesive approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at both a national and county level. As part of the strategy new Outdoor Recreation Committees will be established in every county to ensure there is a focused approach to the development of local amenities. The Minister  announced €14 million for the development of 59 outdoor  amenities and to support outdoor pursuits.