(1888PressRelease)
September 26, 2007 - County Clare, IRELAND, - Minister of State and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen today described the announcement regarding the employment of a Rural Recreation Officer along Clare's National Looped walking routes as a significant move towards further improving relationships between landowners and walking enthusiasts.
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., announced today that he is to provide funding for the employment of the Officer, who will manage The Burren Way and approved National Looped walking route, currently administered by Rural Resource Development. The Rural Recreation Officers will be employed through Rural Resource Development on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs and will be funded through the Rural Recreation and Rural Development Schemes subhead.
According to Minister Killeen, "The employment of a Rural Recreation Officer along the walking routes concerned will be of great assistance to local communities, landowners and rural enterprises wishing to use the routes as an attracting feature. The Officer will also act as a liaison between landowners and walking tourists so as to ensure locals and tourists alike enjoy the full benefits of the designated walking routes."
He added, "County Clare's designated walking routes take advantage of some of Ireland's most scenic and environmentally sensitive locations. Therefore, it is imperative that every measure is taken to ensure that sustained tourist activity does not impact negatively on the environment or cause undue problems for local landowners."
Minister Killeen acknowledged the continuing efforts of Rural Resource Development, Burrenbeo and the Clare County Council-led Environmental Protection of the Burren through Visitor Management Initiative in managing walking routes in the Burren and elsewhere throughout Clare.
"Walking tourism makes a valuable contribution to the local economy and, therefore, should be managed carefully through measured dialogue and good planning. The issue of walkways and access has always been very sensitive, which is why I am delighted that a Rural Recreation Officer is to be appointed in Clare", concluded Minister Killeen.
Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media ( @ ) dunphypr dot com
- High resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media ( @ ) dunphypr dot com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
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