Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
348. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the current status of a project (details supplied) relating to the Cappahoosh bike path and walking trail; the progress made to date on the upgrade of the existing bike path and walking trail and the proposed replacement of two bridges; the timeline now envisaged for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49955/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded under Our Rural Future. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of almost €155 million has supported 2060 projects across the country.
Under Measure 3 of the 2020 scheme, funding of €500,000 was approved for the Connemara Trails and Eurovelo Route project. The proposed works included the upgrading of an existing 10km walking trail at Cappahoosh through Coillte lands, replacement of two bridges along the route of the Western Way walking trail, upgrade of an existing mountain bike trail at Derroura, Oughterard, and signage on the Eurovelo cycling route from the Mayo border at Leenane to the Clare border at Kinvara.
It was brought to the attention of my department that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) had concerns regarding the works carried out within the Connemara Bogs Complex Special Area of Conservation in Booheeshal in Connemara, Co Galway. Based on the circumstances outlined and in accordance with the funding agreement, the applicant was advised to cease works on site pending investigation of the matter and further engagement with the NPWS . These discussions have now concluded.
With regard to the bridges, it was decided that a new section of trail and stream crossing could be created rather than replacing the steel footbridge at Tullyconnor. This solution was deemed to be more sustainable in the long term and more favourable from an environmental perspective.
The second steel footbridge at Derrybeg was found to be in reasonable condition and could be retained with minor maintenance. It was therefore agreed that the remaining funds would be redirected towards replacing a smaller wooden footbridge located approximately 200 metres further along the trail, which was no longer fit for purpose. This change of purpose was approved by my department.
I can confirm that the project has now been completed and the full amount of approved funding has been drawn down.
