|
The Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny, TD today launched National Trails Day which will take place on Sunday 2nd October. In its fourth year, it is getting bigger and events are planned all over the country, North and South, including walking, cycling, equestrian and water trails. This year's National Trails Day is expected to expand from 150 events last year to 200 this year and thousands of people are expected to take part on the day.
This year's events include a range of exciting outdoor events including canoe and kayaking, mountain biking, trail conservation work, nature and heritage walks, horse-riding on equestrian trails, family orienteering and family cycling. There will also be a Ghost Walk at the Hell Fire Club, a fancy dress paddle on the River Liffey, an Edible Coast trail on Cape Clear Island in Cork and a High Nelly Bike Trail, in Durrow Co Laois.
National Trails Day is an all-Ireland event organised by Coillte, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and Fلilte Ireland along with the Countryside Access & Activities Network in Northern Ireland and is aimed at increasing awareness about the fantastic recreation opportunities in the Irish countryside and encourage people to experience a trail in their locality.
At the launch today the Taoiseach issued a call to people to participate in any way they can on October 2nd and take the opportunity to enjoy tracks and trails in some of the best countryside in Europe. As a keen walker and cyclist, the Taoiseach said, "Ireland is a place of incredible natural beauty which has been enhanced over the last few years with investment from Government through Coillte, Fلilte Ireland and the Irish Sports Council who have worked together to develop an impressive network of high quality trails. These are a huge draw for walkers, cyclists and water enthusiasts from at home and abroad. The support of Local Development Companies, Rural Recreation Officers and the LEADER Programme and Local Authorities has been critical to the development of these State assets. National Trails Day is an opportunity for everyone to get out, get some exercise, have fun and experience the trails for themselves."
David Gunning, chief executive of Coillte said, "Now in its fourth year, National Trails Day is well and truly established on the annual calendar. Coillte has invested heavily in recreational facilities on our lands over the last number of years with our partners and in addition to the events on 2nd October, these trails are open to the people of Ireland all year round. We continue to work to attract people to nature and enjoy the great natural resources we have in Ireland and I hope National Trails Day encourages more people to come out and enjoy the landscape."
John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council issuing a strong call to all Irish households to partake in National Trails Day said "it is an opportunity to see the impact simple outdoors activity like walking and cycling can have in improving our general health".
A full listing of events is on www.nationaltrailsday.ie. Event organisers can still post events for the day by logging on to the website and completing the form.
|