IRELAND’S FIRST county-wide outdoor recreation strategy has been launched in Co Wicklow by John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council.
The strategy proposes that visitor access be managed along key corridors and that investment in recreation facilities be focused around four hubs.
Other actions proposed in the strategy include a feasibility study on the recreation potential of the Blessington lakes, a website to provide centralised information on outdoor recreation opportunities in Wicklow and more community-based walking.
Cycling trails and a pilot “walkers’ welcome” initiative in Tinahely are also proposed.
A Wicklow outdoor recreation committee is being formed to oversee implementation of the strategy.
Speaking at the launch in Glencree Visitors’ Centre, Brian Kehoe, chief executive of County Wicklow Partnership, emphasised that thanks to the goodwill of private landowners and investments by Coillte, the National Parks Wildlife Service and Wicklow County Council, people enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation activities in Co Wicklow.
The new strategy showed how these activities could bring greater local economic benefit and enhance the health and wellbeing of our population, while respecting the spectacular natural environment which is the source of these opportunities.
“Despite changed economic circumstances, I am confident we can build on the spirit of partnership which has delivered this innovative strategy to realise our vision of a vibrant and sustainable outdoor recreation culture in Co Wicklow,” he said.
Launching the strategy, Mr Treacy highlighted the vital role that participation in outdoor activities could play in promoting health and tackling obesity and complemented the partners on producing the strategy, the first of its kind in Ireland.
More than 1,000 submissions from groups and individuals make up the recreation strategy, which outlined new methods of managing outdoor activity in order to reduce friction with local residents and to create new business opportunities.
County Wicklow Partnership, in partnership with Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Sports Council, the National Parks Wildlife Service, Wicklow County Council, Wicklow IFA and Wicklow Uplands Council, undertook an extensive consultation process to develop the strategy.