NATIONAL TRAILS Wicklow leads the way in Outdoor Recreation
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John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council yesterday launched the Co. Wicklow Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Ireland's first county-wide outdoor recreation strategy. Wicklow has for decades been a popular destination for participants in outdoor activities such as hillwalking, mountain-biking and kayaking. At times this has resulted in friction with local residents, however a new strategy shows that if managed properly, the outdoor activity sector offers opportunities. County Wicklow Partnership, in partnership with Coillte, Fلilte 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 Co. Wicklow Outdoor Recreation Strategy, with almost 1,000 people contributing their views. Speaking at the launch in Glencree Visitor Centre, Brian Kehoe, Chief Executive of County Wicklow Partnership, emphasised that thanks to the goodwill of private landowners and the investment made by Coillte, National Parks & Wildlife Service and Wicklow County Council, people enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation activities in Co. Wicklow. The new strategy shows how these activities can bring greater local economic benefit and enhance the health and well-being of our population, while respecting the spectacular natural environment which is the source of these opportunities. 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, more community-based walking and cycling trails and a pilot 'Walkers Welcome' initiative in Tinahely. A Wicklow Outdoor Recreation Committee is being formed to oversee implementation of the strategy. Launching the strategy, John Treacy, Olympic Silver medallist and Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council highlighted the vital role that participation in outdoor activities can play in promoting health and tackling obesity and complimented the partners on producing the strategy, the first of its kind in Ireland. Wrapping up the launch event, Brian Kehoe stated: "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."
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Tom Gregan, County Wicklow Partnership; Ruth Pritchard, RSP Consulting; Helen Lawless, Wicklow Uplands Council; Cormac MacDonnell, National Trails Office; John Treacy, Irish Sports Council; Brian Kehoe, County Wicklow Partnership.
John Treacy, Irish Sports Council; Helen Lawless, Wicklow Uplands Council and Cormac MacDonnell, National Trails Office in discussion at the launch of the Co. Wicklow Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
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For further information contact: Brian Kehoe, Chief Executive, County Wicklow Partnership
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