Forum Connemara are responsible for the administration of the Rural Recreation Programme in County Galway since May 2012.
Western Way Update
Please note the following temporary closures on the Western Way trail.
Due to the dangerous condition of the boardwalk between Currán Beag and Maam Cross, this section of the Western Way is currently closed.
The footbridge at Tullyconor (close to Killary Adventure Centre), in the Lettershanbally Coillte forest is currently closed, due to safety issues.
Work is underway to address these issues on the trail.
For further detail, please contact FORUM’s Rural Recreation Officer, Adam DeLapp, on: 086 2622306
THE WALKS SCHEME
The Walks Scheme in County Galway is administered by FORUM Connemara with the assistance of the National Trails Office at the Irish Sports Council and Fáilte Ireland; in association with local walking management committees and Galway County Council on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
It is a national scheme and open to all eligible landholders on National Waymarked Ways, Looped Walking Routes and Heritage Routes along with other trails that have been approved by the National Trails Office. The Walks Scheme is aimed at private landowners who will be paid to carry out a specified and agreed maintenance plan for approved walking routes through their lands (5-year contracts).
Some Current Projects
The Western Way
Is a long distance hiking trail that starts in Oughterard in County Galway and progresses north through County Mayo and on to the County Sligo border near Bunnyconellan, over 200 kilometres from the start.
Collaboration work is already taking place between FORUM Connemara, SW Mayo Development Company, the local authorities and Coillte to bring the Western Way to a standard of excellence in the next few years.
Slí Chonamara
Plans for an overview of this walk are currently being discussed between the Rural Recreation Officer and relevant bodies.
The Blueway
will be a network of “free water trails” at selected individual sites, at which it will be possible to experience a variety of water based activities, including kayaking and snorkelling, in a safe controlled environment. It will be possible to experience these sites on an individual basis or as part of continual water based odyssey along the west coast from South Galway to North West Mayo.
This is another collaboration project between Galway and Mayo. Old Head in Mayo will be the first pilot site of the Blueway. Two sites have been identified and being developed in Galway.
Roundstone Walks
Inis Nee has proven a huge success with on average 30 people a day walking it. Permissive Access has been received by the Community Council in relation to another loop in the Roundstone area. An appropriate screening assessment has recently been done on the trail. It is hoped that work will commence in the next few weeks and that this trail will be open by late Spring.
Carna Walks
Carna hosts some of the most spectacular costal rambles in Connemara. Permissive access has been received by the walks committee for a loop in Moyrus. Work will commence in late Spring. Other locations in Carna are being assessed for potential walks.
Contact
Projects need to have full support of the Community to ensure success. The Rural Recreation Officer would be delighted to hear from Community Groups, businesses and individuals in relation to projects in their area. If you have an idea or plans to develop a recreation project, please feel free to contact Rosaleen for advice and information.
Adam DeLapp, Rural Recreation Officer, FORUM Connemara, Ellis Hall, Letterfrack, Co. Galway.
Email a.delapp@forumconnemara.ie
Tel 095 41116
