Views welcomed for County Galway outdoor recreation strategy

MEMBERS of the public are invited to contribute their ideas to help shape the first outdoor recreation strategy for County Galway.

The Galway County Outdoor Recreation Strategy will be developed following a series of consultation workshops in August. It will set out how outdoor amenities are to be improved, extended and funded across the county.

One of these workshops will be hosted at Athenry Community Hall on Tuesday, August 11 from 2pm to 4pm, followed by an evening workshop at Harmony Hall, Brú Bhride Family Resource Centre in Tuam at 7pm. A further event will take place at Ballinasloe Family and Community Resource Centre from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday, August 12.

The five-year strategy that has been backed by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, will map out high level priorities for new and existing facilities, examine what is already in place, and identify strategic gaps in infrastructure and services. It will also aim to strengthen cooperation between agencies, landowners and community groups involved in outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, mountain biking and water-based activities. Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Andrew Reddington, said that public input would be central to shaping the final strategy.

“Galway’s natural environment is one of its greatest strengths and I encourage anyone with an interest in the outdoors to attend the workshops. The strategy should support activities ranging from walking and cycling to paddle sports, while ensuring the county’s landscapes are protected for future generations,” said Cllr Reddington.

Five consultation events will take place across the county’s Municipal Districts and will be led by Outscape, the consultancy organisation appointed to prepare the strategy.

Following the in-person public consultation events, an online survey will be available on the Galway County Council website from Monday, August 17 to Monday, August 31. The survey will provide people who are unable to attend the consultations with an opportunity to share their views.

Outdoor recreation, as defined for the strategy, covers activities in natural settings and does not include pitch sports or motorised pursuits.