Leitrim Way Walks Scheme takes a step in the right direction
Reporter:
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The first phase of Leitrim’s new Walks Scheme has been approved by the Department of Rural and Community Development, beginning payments for a number of landowners along The Leitrim Way.
This opening phase sees 24 landowners brought onto the scheme by Leitrim Development Company along Leitrim’s National Waymarked Trail. The scheme, funded by the Department and implemented by Local Development Companies, involves landholders as key participants in the provision of high-quality walking trails in Ireland. It achieves this by contracting them to undertake maintenance work on sections of National Way Marked Ways that traverse their property. Participants of the scheme receive yearly payments for their time in undertaking maintenance work on approved trail. The scheme currently covers 40 trails nationwide, with annual payments averaging €1100 made to approximately 1,900 landholders. For landowners not interested in joining, they have the option to nominate a third party onto the scheme in their place, such as relative or friend.