Three Limerick walking trials on track to get funding boost for upgrades

THREE county Limerick walking trails have been approved in principle to join the Walks Scheme.

The three Limerick walking trails approved are An Gleann Beag Loop, 9.5km and one of eight routes on the Broadford-Ashford Walking Trails, the Lough Ghé Way, 14km, also in Ashford, and Knights Walk in Glin that ranges from 4km to 8.5km.

All of these walks are manned by Ballyhoura Development.

The Walks Scheme involves the provision of funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development for the development, enhancement and maintenance of developed trails.

Nationwide, 22 new trails, across 10 different counties have been added to the scheme, with the news announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary.

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Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Niall Collins, has welcomed confirmation, saying: “Congratulations to Ballyhoura Development and all involved on the brilliant news that three of our walking trails here in Limerick have been approved in principle to join the Walks Scheme, administered by Minister Calleary.

“We are all very proud of our trails and joining the scheme will mean that the Gleann Beag Loop, the Lough Ghé Way and The Knights Walk will receive funding to allow them to be further developed and enhanced to the benefit of all in our community.

“The positive impact of our walking trails cannot be understated and I congratulate again all community groups involved in the development and enhancement of our trails and thank them for it.”

Minister Calleary added: “One of our most valuable resources is our beautiful countryside. We are very fortunate to have wonderful walking trails all across the country and to have generous landowners who are willing to allow the public access to trails that cross their lands.

“There is no doubt about the health and well-being benefits provided by these trails, and the economic impact they can also provide by driving visitor numbers to rural Ireland.”