215. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware of the study by Fáilte Ireland regarding the Beara Breifne walkway, estimating that it will take up to €22 million to bring the trail up to a world-class standard; if her Department is in a position to work with community groups and development companies on the Beara Breifne Way and local authorities to deliver the walkway improvements required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28383/24]

Since becoming Minister for Rural & Community Development, I have provided a number of supports for the further development of the Beara Breifne Way walking trail, a long distance walking route which Fáilte Ireland believes could have the potential to compete with walking trails of a similar nature internationally.

Under my Department's Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), funding of €300,000 was provided to develop a trail plan for the Beara Breifne Way which included a trail audit, trail design, an interpretation framework, waymarking and orientation strategies, and environmental assessments to bring the project to a pre-planning stage. This trail plan outlined indicative costs to develop the existing trail to a world class walking standard.

I understand that Fáilte Ireland is establishing a working group, to include key representatives from the main stakeholders, with a view to bringing this project forward. I expect that this group will, as part of that process, consider the level of works required, the costs associated with such works and the potential sources of funding.

In addition to the funding provided under RRDF, my Department's Walks Scheme also supports the 12 existing national waymarked trails which make up the Beara Breifne Way. Under the Walks Scheme, the private landholders on these routes are contracted to undertake maintenance work on the sections of the trails that traverse their lands.

I have also supported a number of projects along different sections of the Beara Brefine Way through my Department's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). For example, in 2021, €196,490 was allocated to extend the Beara bridleway and walking trail from Urhan to Ardgroom village and complete a loop in Teernahillane between Castletownbere and Allihies.  In 2022, €30,000 was allocated to re-route part of the trail off-road near Tuosist in County Kerry.

I will continue to support the development of the Beara Breifne Way and other trails through my Department's investment programmes, and particularly through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. I know the local Rural Recreation Officers, who are  funded by my Department, will also continue to support development in this vital area.