2022/23 Storm Names Announced

2022/23 Storm Names Announced

Met Éireann, along with the UK Met Office and KNMI, the national weather services of the UK and Netherlands, have released the new list of storm names for the 2022-23 storm season.

Similar to previous years, each weather service has contributed names suggested by members of the public.  The list for 2022/23 is: Antoni, Betty, Cillian, Daisy, Elliot, Fleur, Glen, Hendrika, Íde, Johanna, Khalid, Loes, Mark, Nelly, Owain, Priya, Ruadhán, Sam, Tobias, Val and Wouter.

Since 2014 Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have been working together in a Storm Names partnership to help raise awareness of the potential impacts of severe weather and were joined by KMNI in 2019.

Storms are named when they could cause ‘medium’ or ‘high’ impacts in one of the partner countries and help provide consistent, authoritative messaging in times of severe weather. The weather service that expects the severe weather to hit most names the storm, generally in conjunction with Orange/Red warnings. These warnings could be for wind, rain or snow or a combination of these.

Other groups in Europe also name storms and the agreed practice is that when any national weather service names a weather system all other weather services keep that name. When a storm is an ex-hurricane it retains the name given by the National Hurricane Center in Miami such as Ophelia (16th October, 2017). 

Evelyn Cusack, Head of Forecasting Division in Met Éireann, welcomes storm naming as a very important tool in national weather services’ warnings arsenal. She says: ‘The annual unveiling of the new storm names on the 1st September creates greater public awareness and, crucially,  during the winter when a storm is named for its potential Orange/Red impacts, it creates a more impactful public ‘call to action’ helping to save lives and property. During past storms, the public have responded positively to the advice given by experts and this new list of names will help us to prepare society for extreme weather events which is all the more important in our changing climate’.

On MET Éireann’s App you can subscribe to receive push notifications for Met Éireann weather warnings for your chosen county up to three days ahead with Advisories issued up to seven days ahead. The warnings page on MET Éireann’s website and app also displays weather warnings for Northern Ireland, whenever they are issued by the UK Met Office. This provides a clear, authoritative one-stop shop for easy and reliable access to the latest weather warnings for the Island of Ireland.

Further background information about storm naming is available here met.ie/forecasts/storm-names

ENDS

September 23, 2022

NPWS Appeals to Public on High Fire Risk Warning 

NPWS Appeals to Public on High Fire Risk Warning 

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) has appealed to members of the public to be conscious of the dangers posed by fire and to exercise extreme caution over this high risk period.

Recent similar hot weather conditions have seen increased fire activity firmly associated with public recreation activities.  Members of the public intending to visit National Parks and Nature Reserves are reminded to adhere to regulations regarding the lighting of fires.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1976 to light of any fire which causes or is likely to cause the burning of any vegetation within 1 mile (1.6km) of a woodland or Nature Reserve, and those doing so may face prosecution. The use of barbeques or open fires is strictly prohibited.  Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency vehicle access and may be towed away if causing an obstruction.

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, emphasised the key safety message:

“The message is simple – be careful. Don’t light fires or barbecues, keep access roads clear for emergency services, and if you’re camping, let someone know where you’ll be. There is a high risk of fire right now. Be vigilant and keep yourself and the wild places we all love safe.”

Fires are particularly destructive in spring and summer as it is prime season for nesting birds, breeding mammals and the regeneration of growth. They can cause irreparable damage in our native woodland that can take centuries to recover. Any fires within our high conservation value designated Natura 2000 landscapes (SAC/SPA) have a long lasting negative impact on biodiversity. These fires also add to our Carbon emissions and global warming.

In order to reduce the incidence of wildfires, Conservation Rangers and other NPWS staff will be monitoring and patrolling the network of sites over the coming days and remain in close liaison with the Gardaí and the Fire Service. NPWS will provide aerial surveillance (involving NPWS staff monitoring from helicopters) at some of the National Parks in the coming days.  The NPWS would ask the public to cooperate with staff and comply with their requests during their visit to NPWS sites during this high risk period.

ENDS

Notes

Fires at this time of year are particularly hard to extinguish.   A large fire in Wicklow Mountains National Park in May/June 2019 between Lough Bray and the Sally Gap burnt into the underlying peat and burnt for nearly a month underground. More recently, a fire on the 19th July last that burnt over 200ha of upland conservation habitat and woodland in the National Park and the adjacent Coillte Forest in Glencree continues to burn underground despite being repeatedly doused with water. This fire will in all likelihood only be extinguished by a prolonged period of very heavy rain. This rain may extinguish the fire but the run off of burnt material will enter adjacent streams and rivers and have a negative effect on fish, invertebrates other biodiversity and drinking water quality.

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: [email protected]

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL


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August 12, 2022

Minister Noonan encourages everyone who cares for injured wildlife to ensure they are compliant with the law

Minister Noonan encourages everyone who cares for injured wildlife to ensure they are compliant with the law

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has encouraged wildlife enthusiasts and rehabilitators who take care of our injured wildlife to ensure they are compliant with the law this summer by applying for the appropriate licence.

“We have some passionate and dedicated people in Ireland who go to great lengths to care for injured wildlife. They play a vital role in protecting wild species and do great service in bringing such issues to the attention of agencies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I’d like to remind them, and anyone who looks after injured wild birds or protected wild animals, to ensure that they’ve secured the necessary licence from the NPWS,” Minister Noonan said.

“Without the tireless efforts of wildlife enthusiasts and rehabilitators in the community, I dread to think of the amount of injured wildlife that would be lost, either to injury or to predators, given their vulnerability. To ensure compliance with the law, it is essential that their work is done on a licensed footing and that is what we’re highlighting today.”

He outlined that applying for a licence has been streamlined, and in a bid to make the process even easier, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has released a new application format for those caring for our wildlife.

“The NPWS has upgraded their licencing process for the possession and/or retention of protected wild animals and wild birds under Sections 22 and 23 of the Wildlife Act 1976, and I would urge people to log onto npws.ie to find out more.”

The main change introduced is the splitting of one application form into two to allow for applicants to apply for the possession of wild birds or animals for rehabilitation purposes and, separately, in limited circumstances, to apply to retain such animals or birds that would be unlikely to survive unaided in the wild.

Also new is the introduction of an application form for a licence lasting 12 months aimed at experienced rehabilitators across the country who treat multiple cases on an ongoing basis.

Details of the new forms can be found on the NPWS website here:

https://www.npws.ie/licencesandconsents/possession/keep-injured-or-disabled-protected-wild-animal-or-bird

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: [email protected]

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL

July 20, 2022

Heather cutting on the Knockmealdown Mountains

Heather cutting on the Knockmealdown Mountains

IFA Countryside were recently invited by ABGN Gun Club as they carried out vital conservation work on the glorious Knockmealdown mountains.  Also invited was Senator Garrett Ahearn.  AGBN raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about the ability to burn heather.

AGBN demonstrated how they manage the heather for one of our iconic game birds; the Irish Red grouse. In ideal conditions, strips of 10 metres wide and 100 metres long would be burned in a controlled manner before the deadline of 1st March.  Burning the heather provides a balance of both young and old heather which is essential for its survival.   Grouse feed mainly on heather.  The heather needs to be healthy and vibrant.  An ideal crop would have several stages of growth in any given area.

ABGN had been using controlled burning of the heather since 2004 but in the last number of years, adverse weather conditions involving heavy rainfall meant that this was not possible.  The Gun Club were adamant that this vital conservation work should continue so they found another method of controlling the heather.  They purchased a mulching head which is attached onto a hymac thus allowing mowing to take place even in adverse weather.

ABGN Gun Club had previously raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about extending the burning dates to allow them to burn the heather. They invited the Senator out to witness first hand their conservation efforts and the value of heather management. 

Many thanks to all members of ABGN Gun Club on their fantastic work in stabilising and indeed increasing grouse numbers on the Knockmealdown mountains.  Long may it continue.

March 23, 2022

€150m Package of Supports for Rural Communities

€150m Package of Supports for Rural Communities

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys unveils €150 million package of supports for rural communities

  • New €15 million fund to upgrade and refurbish community centres
  • Major focus on Remote Working through initiatives such as Connected Hubs and Town and Village Renewal Scheme
  • Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction
  • Significant investment in our walkways, trails, rivers and lakes under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund
  • Over 300 stakeholders attend special online webinar to hear full details of rural funding schemes
  • Unprecedented Investment underpinned by the Our Rural Future and Town Centre First Policies
  • Calendar of all Funding Schemes published to allow Community Groups to plan ahead
  • Focus on ambitious projects which make a lasting impact to Communities

 Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, recently outlined a package of over €150 million designed to transform rural towns, villages and communities throughout 2022.

New Community Centre Fund

This new capital Fund will invest €15 million in the upgrade and refurbishment of community buildings across the country so that thousands of people of all ages can benefit.  Under the Fund groups and organisations based in both rural and urban communities can apply for grants ranging from €10,000 to €300,000.

Application forms will be available online in the coming weeks

 Announcing the new initiative, Minister Humphreys said:

“If the Pandemic taught us one thing, it’s that we all have discovered the true meaning of ‘community’.

“That’s why I am delighted today to announce the new ‘Community Centres Investment Fund 2022.

“I am making available €15 million which will support the refurbishment and upgrade of community buildings across the country.

“Does your local Community Centre or Parish Hall need an upgrade or facelift?

Does your local community need financial support to carry out fire safety or other necessary repair works? Then this Fund is designed to support you.

“The new Fund will provide grants for small and large-scale projects and help us to provide focal points for communities as they come back together. I will publish details on how local community groups can apply for this funding later this month”

 Focus for 2022

  • Regeneration projects in rural areas that focus on economic growth, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. The ‘Boyle 2040 Project’ was given as a good example of the type of project that could be replicated. Boyle 2040 was previously allocated €4.3 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The project shows how regeneration funding can be accessed if a locally driven tailored plan is developed;
  • Remote Working and connectivity. This will include further developing the Connected Hubs Network for remote working, adding to the existing 900 free WiFi4EU hotspots around the country, bringing more publicly accessible Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) online.
  • Outdoor Amenities. A continued focus on investing in our unique amenities such as our walkways, trails, lakes, mountains, blueways and greenways. Under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, there will be unprecedented investment in outdoor tourism – supporting activities such as kayaking, cycling, mountaineering, surfing and paragliding.
  • Projects that help communities to bounce back from the pandemic by providing focal points for community activities. This will be done under the likes of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the new Community Centre Investment Fund.

“The capital funding programmes outlined today, including the newly announced Community Centres Investment Fund, are complemented by a suite of ongoing and planned current funded programmes which play a large part in supporting those living in communities, and in many cases ensuring that it is possible for people to engage with these capital supports. There is little point in having great infrastructure if there are not the people using those facilities to deliver the many community & voluntary programmes and schemes across the country. That is why I am committed to supporting the Community & Voluntary sector to maximise its impact in communities throughout Ireland.”

Timetable for rural and community investment programmes

Rural Development Schemes
2022 Open 2022 Closing
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF)

 

Supports large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.

 

More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/05bfe-rural-regeneration-and-development-fund/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=rural-regeneration-and-development

 

 Category 1 – currently open (Large-scale capital projects which are ready to commence on the date of application).

 

Category 2 – To open in August

(Seed capital funding for

strategic, large-scale projects)

 Closes on 29th April

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 2, closes in Q 4
Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais (CLÁR)

 

Provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas.

 

  • Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities (MUGAs, Playgrounds, etc)
  • Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
  • Measure 3: “Our Islands”

 

More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=small-scale-rural-projects-clar

  

 

 

Opened 24th February

  

Measure 1 & Measure 3, close on 6th May

 

Measure 2, closes on 8th April

 

 

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

 

Provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. (Adventure Tourism type projects, Blueways, Walking Trails, Boardwalks, etc)

 

  • Measure 1 for small scale projects requiring funding of up to €30,000,
  • Measure 2 for medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
  • Measure 3 for large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
  • Project Development Measure funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects.

 

More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/d14e1-outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme

  

 

 

 

 

 

Opened 18th February

  

 

 

Measure 1 & Project Development Measure to close on 19th April

 

Measure 2 & Measure 3 to close on 25th May
Town and Village Renewal Scheme Connected Hubs Call

 

Development of remote working facilities joining the National Connected Hubs Network

 

More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/16b47-connected-hubs-fund/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=connected-hubs-fund

  

 

Opened 21st February

  

 

Closes on 4th April
Local Improvement Scheme

 

Provides funding to help local authorities carry out improvement works on private and

non-publicly maintained roads

 

More information available at

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/b03384-local-improvement-scheme-lis/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=local-road-improvement

  

Allocations to Local Authorities in March

  

 

Managed by Local Authorities
Town and Village Renewal Scheme – Streetscapes

 

Support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts

 

Information available when launched

  

Scheduled to open end of March

 Managed by Local Authorities in consultation with communities, town teams and businesses
Town and Village Renewal

Scheme

 

Designed to rejuvenate small rural towns and villages. (Regeneration of old buildings, development of town parks, etc)

 

More information available at

https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/01125e-town-and-village-renewal-scheme/

  

 

Scheduled to open in April

  

 

Closes end of June

 

 

 

 

Social Enterprise Schemes
2022 Open 2022 Closing
Dormant Accounts Fund Social Enterprise – Capital Supports

 

Provides capital grants for the scaling up of social

Enterprises

 

More information on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/624c74-social-enterprise/#funding-and-supports-for-social-enterprises

  

 

Scheduled to open in early May

  

 

Closes in late June

 

 

Community Schemes
2022 Open 2022 Closing
Community Centres Investment

Fund

 

An annual capital grants programme for the maintenance, improvement and upkeep of community centres.

 

More information on launch

  

 

Scheduled to open in March

  

Category 1 closes on 30th June

 

Category 2 & 3 close on 31st July
Empowering Communities Fund

 

A new targeted scheme to address area based disadvantage

 

More information on launch

  

Scheduled to open end April
Community Activities Fund

 

Small scale grants to assist community groups

 

More information on launch

  

Operated by LCDCs

  

Closing dates vary – contact your LCDC

 

March 23, 2022

Live Streaming of Winter Solstice at Newgrange Announced

The Office of Public Works (OPW), in partnership with the National Monuments Service (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is delighted to announce it will once again live-stream the hugely significant Winter Solstice Sunrise from within the chamber at the Neolithic passage tomb of Newgrange.  This can be viewed live on the mornings of the 20th, 21st and 22nd December on gov.ie/opw and heritageireland.ie.

While the tomb chamber has remained closed during the pandemic, the NMS and OPW have been able to expand their archaeological research programme and gather further information on the Winter Solstice phenomenon over the month of December.

The research project is measuring and monitoring in great detail the movement of the winter sunlight coming through the roof box into the passage and chamber to determine how the beam of dawn light interplays with the chamber as we move towards Solstice and then past it.

Speaking today, Mr Patrick O’Donovan, T.D, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), said: “I understand the disappointment of the public with the closure of the Chamber, especially at this significant time of the year, but we have to be mindful of the Government Guidelines in relation to COVID-19 and the health and safety of our visitors at all times.

“While the Chamber cannot be accessed, it is great that the OPW is  able once more to broadcast the Winter Solstice Sunrise live each morning to the four corners of the world, where we can all gather and watch the passing of the longest night of the year and welcome the new year of the Solar Calendar. Watching the light creep into the five-thousand-year-old passage tomb in real time is a moving event that has the power to fill us with wonder and hope.”

The solar alignment of the passage tomb at Newgrange to face the rising sun on winter solstice is a significant astronomical finding of global importance.  Originally re-discovered by Prof. Michael J. O’Kelly in 1967, other researchers have validated O’Kelly’s interpretation giving it scientific credibility and meaning.  Analysis of high-resolution imagery taken during last year’s research programme adds to the convincing body of evidence that the solar illumination of the tomb was intentional.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said

“The solstice has long been celebrated as a time of rebirth and renewal as we look forward to the prospect of brighter days ahead. I pay tribute to our National Monuments Service and OPW colleagues for their work to make sure we end another year with a ray of hope. As we continue our Newgrange Solstice Research Project I am very excited to learn more about how the dawn sun on the shortest days of the year interacts with this remarkable monument and how it may have engaged and enthralled our ancestors over five thousand years ago.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said:

“Today’s celebration of the Newgrange Solstice phenomenon continues a long tradition of celebrating ancient ritual and engineering skills. It is a remarkable place and I am delighted that again, OPW and my Department’s National Monuments Service have put in place the technology to allow so many from around the globe to experience it for the themselves.”

Members of the public are advised not to travel directly to the site, as there will be road closures in place around Newgrange itself.

We want to encourage intending visitors to enter through the Visitor Centre prior to travelling to the Monument. In adherence with the Government Guidelines, we must remind visitors that the wearing of facemasks within the Centre and on the buses is obligatory.  We appreciate the co-operation of the public.

Happy Solstice!

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

Winter Solstice:

The Winter Solstice is an astronomical phenomenon which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 or 22, when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn.  At sunrise on the shortest day of the year, for 17 minutes, direct sunlight can enter the Newgrange monument, not through the doorway, but through the specially contrived small opening above the entrance known as the ‘roof box’, to illuminate the Chamber.

In line with the revised Government Guidelines, Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and the site at the Newgrange Monument – though not the passage tomb itself – are currently open to visitors.  Access to the site is only available through the Visitor Centre, which is open daily from 9am to 4pm. For further information and online booking please visit heritageireland.ie.

 

December 15, 2021

Three Month Suspended Jail Sentence for the Possession of Two Dead Buzzards

Three Month Suspended Jail Sentence for the Possession of Two Dead Buzzards

A County Laois man has been given a three month suspended prison sentence for the possession of two dead Buzzards, which were found strung up on his land.

The offence took place on the 19th of April 2020.  The offence was investigated by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. It was prosecuted under the Wildlife Acts.

At the District Court sitting, photographs of the two dead Buzzards and X-ray evidence were presented to Judge Catherine Staines.

In her summation, Judge Staines expressed her abhorrence at the undignified manner in which two beautiful birds were displayed, saying it showed no respect whatsoever. It was, she said, “an example of a disgusting lack of respect in an outrageous act of wildlife crime”.

Judge Staines then detailed to the court that she had to consider a prison sentence as an appropriate way to deal with this matter. She convicted the man in question of the possession of the two Dead Buzzards under Section 45 (2) and 45 (7) of the Wildlife Acts and imposed a three-month sentence of imprisonment, which she suspended on the Accused’s own bond for a period of one year.

“Wildlife crime is serious, and it has serious consequences”

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan TD said that recent judgements in the District Courts indicate clearly that wildlife crimes have serious consequences:

“I welcome the conviction in this awful case and would like to thank everyone involved in securing it. I particularly welcome the comments of Judge Staines, who acknowledged the outrageousness of the crime and the lack of respect shown to these beautiful birds. Recent judgements being handed down in the Courts to people convicted of deliberately destroying habitats or harming wildlife are sending out a clear signal that, as a society, we will no longer tolerate such actions. Wildlife crime is serious, and it has serious consequences. We need to protect nature,” he said.

Ciara O’Mahony, Regional Manager of the South East Region of the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, welcomed the reporting of this matter by a concerned member of the public, and encouraged more who witness wildlife crimes such as this to come forward in confidence to the NPWS.

“We are increasingly receiving contact about wildlife crime and habitat destruction, from people who are concerned about biodiversity loss. We welcome such reports, and the nature conservation consciousness and awareness that they represent,” she said. 

Any member of the public wishing to report possible wildlife crime or illegal habitat destruction can contact the NPWS through [email protected] or direct to local NPWS staff. For more detail on wildlife legislation, see www.npws.ie

Information in relation to recording incidents involving birds of prey, including Buzzards, “Recording and Addressing Persecution and Threats to our Raptors. A Review of Incidents” can be found at:https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM126.pdf

 

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: [email protected]

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL

November 2, 2021

Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails

Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism

  • 31 new trails added in 13 counties under Government’s ‘Walks Scheme’
  • Rural Recreation Officers to be appointed to enhance our outdoor amenities
  • Department to work with over 2,400 farmers and landowners to promote rural tourism

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced a major initiative for Rural Ireland, which includes the addition of 31 new walking trails to her Department’s Walks Scheme and funding for a number of new Rural Recreation Officers.

The 31 new trails across 13 counties are to be added to the ‘Walk’s Scheme’, which aims to open up our countryside to local walkers, hikers and tourists.

Under the scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landowners to maintain the trails that travel through their holdings.

Today’s announcement means there will now be 80 trails under the Scheme, which is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with the Local Development Companies (LDCs) and over 2,400 farmers and landowners in total.

The trails added today involve over 400 farmers and include the Dingle Way in County Kerry, St Declan’s Way in County Waterford, the Ballyhoura Way in County Limerick, the South Leinster Way in County Kilkenny and the Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscraí in County Cork.

The Cavan Way in County Cavan, the Wicklow Uplands Way in County Wicklow, the Lung/Lough Gara Way in County Roscommon and the Durrow Leafy Loop in County Sligo are also among the trails being added to the Scheme.

Additional funding will also be provided to the Local Development Companies that deliver the scheme locally, as well as for the salaries paid to the Rural Recreation Officers who play a vital role in delivering the Walks Scheme and developing the outdoor recreation sector locally. Minister Humphreys also today announced the creation of up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officer posts in addition to the 13 already in place. These are designed to further enhance our outdoor amenities and the experience of visitors to Rural Ireland.The announcement delivers on commitments in both the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future to increase the number of trails under the ‘Walks Scheme’ in order to boost outdoor recreation and tourism in rural towns and villages.

Minister Humphreys also today published a review of the Walks Scheme, which sets out a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing the Walks Scheme and the role of Rural Recreation Officers, and will be implemented in consultation with key stakeholders.

The Minister made the announcements during a visit to officially open St Declan’s Way in Co. Waterford, a 115km trail involving 45 farmers and landowners which is amongst the trails being added to the scheme.

The Minister said:

“Our walkways, trails, greenways, blueways and cycleways are a defining feature of Rural Ireland.

“They have been a godsend throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic – providing so many of us with the opportunity to get out for some exercise and to meet up with family and friends.

“Over the past number of months, we have seen unprecedented investment in our outdoor amenities, underpinned by the most ambitious ever policy for Rural Ireland, ‘Our Rural Future’.

“Today’s announcement is further action behind that policy. By adding 31 new trails to the Walks Scheme, we are opening up our rural countryside further to walkers, hikers, adventurists, cyclists, as well as domestic and international tourists.

“And it means we are investing in some of the most picturesque locations in the country, so that they can be enjoyed and experienced by millions of people every year.”

The Minister added:

“In rolling out the Walks Scheme, my Department works closely with our Local Development Companies, community groups and rural farmers and landowners. We are indebted to our farmers and other landowners throughout the country that facilitate access to these wonderful trails and who now, through this scheme, are being funded to maintain the walks to the high standard we have all come to expect.

“Another important part of today’s announcement is the decision to appoint up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officers, as well as improving the salaries of the Rural Recreation Officers that are already carrying out great work across the country.  These individuals are crucial in implementing the Walks Scheme and working with all stakeholders to enhance our outdoor amenities.

“As Minister, I am committed to expanding the Walks Scheme so that more communities can reap the benefits.

“I am also committed to looking at further increasing the number of RROs nationwide based on the outcome of our new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, which is currently being developed and which will make Rural Ireland an even better place to live, visit and raise a family.”

Minister Humphreys concluded:

“I am also today publishing a review of the Walks Scheme, which was carried out by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI).

“The recommendations in the review are extensive, covering every aspect of scheme delivery and impacting across a range of stakeholders.

“Given the breadth of issues covered and that many impact beyond my Department, I intend to establish a stakeholder consultation group to explore the recommendations and how they could be implemented at a local level.

“Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the Local Development Companies, Trail management groups and especially the farmers and landowners for their excellent cooperation with my Department.”

The report on the review of the Walks Scheme can be on gov.ie here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/942b4b-the-walks-scheme-and-rural-recreation-officers/#2021-review-of-the-walks-scheme

 ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-173 4633

[email protected]

September 29, 2021

Convictions, fines and boat forfeiture for illegal fishing in Dundalk

Convictions, fines and boat forfeiture for illegal fishing in Dundalk

Two men in Dundalk have been convicted of illegally killing pike and have been ordered to pay fines following prosecutions taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Inland Fisheries Ireland Officers, who had been on routine fisheries patrol in the area, outlined the facts of the case to the court of how two men had been observed in the act of illegal fishing on Drumcah Lough, taking and killing pike.

As a statutory consequence of the conviction for use of a boat contrary to Section 285 (A)(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, the boat that was seized by Inland Fisheries Ireland is now automatically forfeited.

Evidence in relation to the offence was given before Judge Eirinn McKiernan and breaches of Fisheries legislation occurred on Sunday, October 11th last year, in the townland of Annagh, close to the Louth and Monaghan border.

According to Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, there was an increase in illegal fishing activity recorded by its Officers around the country last year.

The state agency initiated 119 prosecutions for fisheries-related offences in 2020, compared with 67 prosecutions in 2019. It also seized 1,287 illegal fishing items last year, up from 788 items the year before.

Dr. Greg Forde, Head of Operations with Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Safeguarding Ireland’s fisheries resources is a round-the-clock job, involving planned day patrols, covert night patrols and intelligence-led surveillance operations. Despite the fact that there was a global pandemic and travel restrictions in place for the public for much of the year, our teams all over the country recorded a higher level of illegal fishing activity last year, compared with 2019.”

To report suspicions of illegal fishing, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.

September 22, 2021