CONSULTATION workshops are to be held across the month of August on Galway’s first outdoor recreation strategy.
Improvement of outdoor amenities along with how they are improved, funded and expanded will be set out in the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Strategy. The development of the five-year strategy has been backed by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
The strategy 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, Cllr Andrew Reddington (FG) said 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 paddlesports, while ensuring the county’s landscapes are protected for future generations”.
Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the strategy would act as a blueprint for future development. “This is the first time a dedicated Outdoor Recreation Strategy has been prepared for County Galway, and it offers an opportunity to create a shared vision for how people experience and enjoy the county’s exceptional natural landscapes. We look forward to working with communities, landowners and recreational groups to identify ways to enhance existing amenities and develop new opportunities in a sustainable and accessible way.
“Outdoor recreation plays an important role in supporting the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our citizens, and this strategy will help shape the future development of outdoor recreation across County Galway for years to come,” he added.
Five consultation events will take place across the county’s Municipal Districts and will be led by Outscape, the consultancy appointed to prepare the strategy. The first workshop is scheduled for Oughterard Courthouse on Monday 10 August at 7pm.
Athenry Community Hall will host a session from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday 11 August, followed by an evening workshop at Harmony Hall, Brú Bhríde Family Resource Centre in Tuam at 7pm. On Wednesday 12 August, events will take place at Ballinasloe Family and Community Resource Centre from 2pm to 4pm and at Temperance Hall in Loughrea at 7pm.
Following the in-person public consultation events, an online survey will be available on Galway.ie from Monday 17 August to Monday 31 August. The survey will give people who are unable to attend the consultations an opportunity to share their views and help shape the development of the strategy.
Michael Owens, Director of Services with Galway County Council and Chairperson of the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Committee, said the consultation process marked an important milestone in developing a long-term vision for outdoor recreation across the county. “Following the establishment of the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Committee earlier this year, the public consultation process represents an important step towards a coordinated countywide approach to high quality, accessible and sustainable outdoor recreation for residents and visitors”.
The Galway County Outdoor Recreation Strategy will align with the national strategy, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, and will guide future investment by Galway County Council and partner organisations. Outdoor recreation, as defined for the strategy, covers activities in natural settings and does not include pitch sports or motorised pursuits.
Meanwhile, Galway County Council has invited applications under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2026/2027, which supports the development, enhancement and promotion of outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural areas.
The scheme provides funding across four measures, ranging from project development grants of up to €100,000 to strategic infrastructure projects worth up to €500,000. Applications for the Project Development Measure and Measure 1 close on 20 August, while the deadline for applications for Measures 2 and 3 is 10 November.
Further information is available by emailing outdoorrecreation@galwaycoco.ie or by contacting Galway County Council on 091 509540 or 091 509347.
