Waterford have your say! Public meetings will be hosted to promote outdoor activities

A five-year plan for outdoor recreation in Waterford is being developed for the first time.

Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Sports Partnership, Waterford Leader Partnership, Fáilte Ireland, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Get Ireland Walking have joined together to steer the development of the plan.

It is hoped the plan will reflect Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the national outdoor recreation strategy, which includes activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, horse riding, rock climbing, running, orienteering along with many water activities including open water swimming, surfing, kayaking, SUP, canoeing, sailing to name a few.

Air based activities such as paragliding or hang gliding are also included.

Everyone with an interest in the outdoors is encouraged to get involved as your input will play a vital role in shaping a plan that reflects the county’s natural beauty and the aspirations of our community.

The aim of the plan is to promote the enjoyment of outdoor activities in our natural landscapes, while also ensuring that these activities are sustainable and accessible to a broad section of the population.

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The meetings are taking place on the following dates:

• Wednesday 29th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, SETU Arena, Carriganore, Waterford, X91 XD96
• Thursday 30th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, X35 CC97

Anyone interested in attending can register at this link – https://forms.office.com/e/Y33zPg2Jgh

It is hoped the plan will reflect the diversity of outdoor pursuits outlined in Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the national outdoor recreation strategy, and includes activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, horse riding, rock climbing, running, orienteering along with many water activities including open water swimming, surfing, kayaking, SUP, canoeing, sailing to name a few. Air based activities such as paragliding or hang gliding are also included.

The development of this plan is made possible through funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

For further information, please contact David Abbott, Outdoor Recreation Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership on

086 1650970 or dabbott@waterfordsportspartnership.ie