By Dan Walsh
Community groups responsible for managing walking trails in Wexford will receive grands of €1,000-€3,000 under new funding announced today.
Deputy Paul Kehoe welcomed news from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, that funding of €122,400 will be available to support and improve some 64 walking trails across the Wexford.
Deputy Kehoe said: “Trail walking is a great activity for families in Wexford to enjoy the great outdoors and explore our hidden gems this summer. These trails also attract visitors to small businesses in our rural towns.
“The community groups receiving the grant in Wexford can use it to maintain, improve and promote its use to locals and visitors. “This vital work is done by the groups which are known as Community Trail Management Organisations.
“Community Trail Management Organisations are registered with Sport Ireland and work in conjunction with Wexford County Council, Coillte and the Local Development Company (LDC) in maintaining their local trails.
Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the funding and told WexfordLocal.com; “There are wonderful walking routes that are much appreciated. I make use of many of them myself and know they are great for physical and mental health,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.
Senator Byrne praised the work of various community development groups who maintain these trails and where these small grants will be put to good use. “We are second only to the much larger County of Cork for the number of trails we have. Walking in Wexford is Wonderful!” he concluded.
Minister Heather Humphreys added some sound seasonal advice; “With the sunshine set to continue this week, I would encourage everybody, young and old, to get active and enjoy the wonderful walking trails we have all across rural Ireland”, she suggested.
WexfordLocal.com 