Cork minister announces additional funding for improvements to walking tracks

An extra €1m in Government funding is to be made available to make community walking tracks located on sports clubs’ grounds more accessible to more people, a Cork minister has announced.

The funding is to be allocated to the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) under the Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative.

The announcement, by Minister of State at the Department of Health Colm Burke, follows on from €1.6m in funding for the GAA in 2022 and 2023 which provided walking track grants to 106 clubs around the country.

The initiative supports the upgrade of existing walking tracks to make them more accessible to people with mobility issues.

The funding may also be used for the upgrading or the installation of lighting designed to prolong the hours of usage of such tracks, particularly during the dark winter evenings.

Mr Burke described the expansion of the Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative as an opportunity to support increased engagement in physical activity.

“The €1m we’re announcing today builds on a very successful partnership with the GAA through which we supported the upgrade of walking tracks all over the country,” he said.

“The IRFU and the FAI recognise the huge impact that clubs can have on their communities, by fostering inclusivity and connectedness and offering safe, accessible places for people of all abilities to take part in physical activity.

Kevin Potts, chief executive of the IRFU, said the grant would enable the union to upgrade more walking tracks at club facilities across the country.

“These changes will result in more accessible and safer environments, and we look forward to welcoming new members from all communities once complete,” he said.

David Courell, interim CEO of the FAI, also welcomed the funding allocation.

“The Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative is a significant step in our mission to enhance community health and wellbeing through football at grounds across the country,” he said.