Minister Rings in the changes for Operation Transformation

Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring gets involved with Operation Transformation tomorrow when he launches a new iPhone app featuring 400 Irish activity trails while leading a walk in his hometown.

The new iPhone app has details of more than 400 walking and cycling trails around Ireland, and will make it much easier for everyone to get out and enjoy one of Ireland's many recreational trails.

Minister Ring will be trying out the app while leading a walk in his hometown of Westport tomorrow. This is one many walks and events taking place around Ireland this weekend as part of Operation Transformation 2013.

The app provides loads of vital information on each trail, including an overview map and directions to the start. You can review each trail and it even works offline so that you can find trails even in places where there is no data coverage. The National Trails Office developed the app with the Irish Sports Council, to make it much easier for people to get out and enjoy one of Ireland's many recreational trails.

"This new app gives you instant information on the huge number of walking and cycling trails in Ireland. It's an excellent way of encouraging everyone to get outdoors, and could help people visiting Ireland. It's great to be able to launch this app in my hometown," Minister Ring said.

John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council said; "Participation in physical activity is on the increase and recreational walking is hugely popular. This app is one of the many initiatives of the National Trails Office which aims to increase use and enjoyment of the trails".

The Irish Sports Council is working in association with RTE's Operation Transformation Programme for the third year running in 2013. The Westport event is organised by Mayo Local Sports Partnership in collaboration with Westport Leisure Park and is one of 40 Walking Events run by the national network of Sports Partnerships on January 19.

Minister Ring added: 'We know that high profile campaigns encourage people to get involved in sport and physical activity. Operation Transformation is a hugely successful initiative. It's great to see the Irish Sports Council involved and so many people energised and enthusiastic about the day's activities'.

Over 15,000 people took part in the National Walks in 2012 which are a great way of promoting walking as a fun way to get and stay active. It is hope that there will be at least that number participating in 2013 in the 40 walks taking place nationwide on January 19.

http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Participation/Operation_Transformation/National_Walks_19_Jan_/

The Irish Trails App is free to download from the App Store from the 19th of January. https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/irish-trails/id564776288?mt=8

The App will be updated constantly with additional information on the Irish trail network. An android version of the app is in development.