Popular tracks and trails need ongoing maintenance

ONE of the main roles of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is to maintain and improve local amenities and facilities including the maintenance and enhancement of walking trails.

Communities also benefit from the skills and talents of the RSS workers in terms of developing new walks and related infrastructure. Deirdre Kennedy acknowledged the continued work of the Rural Social Scheme staff in terms of the ongoing trail maintenance which has to be undertaken, whatever the weather!

She says: “The walking product has experienced major growth in the past number of years in terms of both the domestic and overseas market and the continued development in this area will drive tourism and job creation in Sligo and the North West.”

There is considerable potential for the further development of the rural recreation sector through targeted investment in infrastructure and co-ordination.

Deirdre explains: “With the combination of improvements to the existing trails and the new developments underway we have the potential to place County Sligo at the forefront of rural recreation tourism in the country.

“We are delighted to see the improvement works starting to take shape and we welcome any feedback from walkers with regard to the trails.”

Both the Walks Scheme and the post of the Rural Recreation Officer are directly funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development through Sligo LEADER Partnership with support from Fáilte Ireland. Works are undertaken in collaboration with Sligo County Council and Coillte. The development of Sligo Walks is a wonderful example of what partnership endeavour on the part of all sectors.