Laois privately grown woodlands among 62 new Irish eco trail walks

Laois has another beautiful woodland walk to offer, with the addition of a new trail in a young Stradbally woods built by a retired county councillor.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD has announced the largest ever expansion of Ireland’s National Walks Scheme with 62 new trails announced across 17 counties.

More landowners are invited to apply for money to add nature trails. to their lands. 

Her announcement on February 28 includes Carrigmeal Woodlands in Dysart, Stradbally, a 70 acre forest funded through Laois Partnership and owned by former councillor James Deegan. 

The young woodlands, 5km from Portlaoise, has received three grants to create three short looped walks with picnic benches and an outdoor classroom, with access to Dysart Woods next door. It has a timber viewing tower that looks onto panoramic views of the Slieve Blooms and the historic Rock of Dunamase just across the way. 

The extra trails are part of a phased expansion of trails on the Walks Scheme from 80 to 150 trails over the next two years.

The initiative is designed to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism and is an element of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

Under the Walks Scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landholders to maintain the walking trails that go through their holdings. The Scheme is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with Local Development Companies.

Over €15 million has been paid to farmers and landholders participating on the Scheme since 2017, with an additional €1.4 million spent on materials for the maintenance of trails. 

This expansion will see an additional annual investment of over €500,000 to rural areas through the scheme.

Announcing the expansion at the Carrigmeal Woods Loop Trails in Co Laois, Minister Humphreys said:

“I want to make Ireland an international destination of choice for walkers and hikers. We have a unique offering in terms of our natural landscape filled with mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and sea. 

Minister Humphreys visiting Carrigmeal woodlands with James Deegan and Laois public representatives.

“Often these amenities can only be truly appreciated by crossing through fields and land owned by local farmers. The National Walks Scheme is about working in partnership with landowners so we can open up access to local communities and tourists to enjoy these wonderful hidden gems we have all across Ireland.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the work of all the farmers and landowners involved in the Walks Scheme who provide access to their holdings and who help to maintain the trails to a high standard for the benefit of a huge number of locals and visitors. Without the goodwill of farmers we would not have access to many of our favourite tracks and trails. It is incumbent on all of us to use these amenities responsibly, respect local landowners and of course – Leave No Trace.”

“Getting out into the fresh air for a walk is good for the body and good for the mind. These trails allow people of all ages and ability the opportunity to enjoy open countryside, riverside walks and mountains hikes. There is something for everyone, just put on your walking shoes and get out there and have a go.”

The Department is inviting expressions of interest from Local Development Company for new trails and substantial extensions to existing trails. Potential applicants must give expressions of interest through LDCs by October 11, 2024.

“I would encourage trail management committees, community groups and other similar bodies to contact their nearest Local Development Company to make an expression of interest for trails they would like to include in the scheme,” the Minister said.

The expansion of the Walks Scheme was also warmly welcomed by Dr Liam Twomey, the Chairperson of Comhairle na Tuaithe which is representative of the key stakeholders involved in outdoor recreation in the countryside. 

“I very much welcome the addition of these trails to the Walks Scheme. Comhairle Na Tuaithe has been involved in the sustainable development of the sector since 2004. Following the launch of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, and the strategic development coming from that, the continuing growth of the Walks Scheme is so beneficial, both from an economic and wellbeing point of view," Dr Twomey said.