100s of New Walking Groups to be Established Through New Get Ireland Walking Initiative

Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Alan Kelly TD launched a new Get Ireland Walking Initiative today which aims to build a culture of walking in Ireland where people are walking more on a daily basis for improved health!

The new initiative seeks to promote the benefits of walking and is aiming to support the set up of 100's of new walking groups in communities, town and cities around the country.

Minister Alan Kelly, welcomed the Get Ireland Walking initiative and recognised the important role it will play in complementing his Department's schemes which promote Smarter and Active Travel in towns throughout Ireland

The Get Ireland Walking national base will be based in the new Sport HQ building in Dublin and will provide information, advice and guidance about walking and support to communities in setting up walking groups and walking programmes. The initiative will also link in with GP's around the country, encouraging them to promote walking for improving health and will also be promoted at county level through Local Sports Partnerships and other health promotion agencies.

Get Ireland Walking is an initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council and the Health Service Executive (HSE) and supported by Mountaineering Ireland, Irish Heart Foundation, Age and Opportunity, Gaelic Athletic Association, Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management, Arthritis Ireland and others.

Further information available on www.getirelandwalking.ie