Great news that the Hymany Way walking trail has been included in the national Walks Scheme.
The scheme, which is administered by my department, the Department of Rural and Community Development, contracts landowners and farmers along walking trails to carry out essential maintenance work.
Landowners, recreational walkers and tourists will all benefit.
Approximately 40 landowners and farmers will receive payments for maintaining the 60km walking trail from Portumna to Ballygar.
The work is much needed because the Hymany Way has great potential, particularly as it is a haven for biodiversity.
Improvements to amenities such as the Hymany Way can only help attract more tourists to the area which in turn brings an economic dividend.
I want to thank my ministerial colleague, Minister Michael Ring TD, for his support for the scheme.
Currently 39 trails are covered by the Walks Scheme, involving 1,962 landowners and farmers. It is anticipated that 40 additional trails will be added to the scheme when all phases of its expansion are completed.
The scheme is funded at local level by the Local Development Companies, which deliver the scheme on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development.