Minister Heather Humphreys has announced that 31 new walking trails have been added by the Department of Rural and Community Development to their Walks Scheme.
The funding will be used to employ a number of Rural Recreation Officers that will work with the various trails to open up the countryside to local walkers, hikers and tourists.
Funding is also being provided to farmers and other landowners to maintain the trails that travel through their holdings.
Today’s announcement means there are will now be 80 trails under the Scheme, and over 2,400 farmers and landowners will benefit.
Locally the Aughris Head Trail and the Lung Lough Gara Way in Sligo have been included along with the Arroo trail in Leitrim.
Cllr Paul Taylor, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, says the inclusion of the routes for funding will boost local tourism and the local economy:
