Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
920. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his Departments view of the roll out of eco toilets at large recreational sites, which are being broadly welcomed by users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56906/25]
View answer921. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department supports the use of 'Counters' at large recreational sites in order to capture the number of attendees at these sites; if his Department will work with stakeholders to fund these counters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56907/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 920 and 921 together.
My Department recognises the value of electronic trail counters in capturing visitor numbers and informing future investment in outdoor recreation. Currently, 46 counters are funded by my department alongside the delivery of the Walks Scheme. A number of counters have also been funded as elements of projects supported under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). ORIS funds outdoor recreation infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.
In addition, I am aware that there are counters in place on trails and at recreational sites which are operated by other bodies including local authorities, local development companies, community groups and Coillte.
We will continue to assess the need for additional counters, taking account of the benefits of reliable visitor data to support the effective management and development of recreational sites. My officials are also exploring ways to better collate and make available the data gathered by all of the different organisations.
As regards eco toilets, these can be funded as part of projects submitted under ORIS. In addition, I understand that such toilets have also been funded through my Department's strategic partnership with Coillte.
