Galway County Council has adopted the county’s first Outdoor Recreation Plan, setting out priorities for the development and management of trails, parks and other outdoor amenities throughout County Galway over the next five years.
The Galway County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2027–2031 was adopted by the elected members at Monday’s plenary meeting. It aims to improve access to outdoor activities, identify gaps in facilities and strengthen cooperation between public bodies, landowners and community groups.
The plan covers a wide range of activities, including walking, cycling, swimming and water-based recreation. It also seeks to ensure that increased use of outdoor amenities does not come at the expense of the natural environment, biodiversity or cultural heritage.
Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the plan follows an extensive public consultation process involving online engagement and in-person meetings. It was developed through the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Committee, which brings together the council and organisations involved in recreation, tourism, land management and rural development.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the plan recognised the value of outdoor recreation to people’s health and to local communities.
“Galway has an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from Connemara to east Galway. This plan is about making the most of those assets while ensuring they are protected for future generations,” he said.
He said the Plan would help make outdoor amenities accessible to people of different ages and abilities, while supporting clubs, volunteers and recreation providers.
Chief executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally, said the plan would help identify where new facilities were needed and where existing amenities could be improved.
“It gives us a clearer picture of what is already available across the county, where the gaps are and what needs to be prioritised. Working with agencies, landowners and community groups will be key to delivering those improvements,” he said.
He added, “The Plan will also provide the Council with a platform to seek additional outdoor recreation funding for Galway.”
Michael Owens, Director of Services for Rural, Community & Tourism Development, said the Plan provided a shared framework for the future development of outdoor recreation in Galway.
“Outdoor recreation can make a real contribution to health, wellbeing and quality of life. This plan provides a basis for developing facilities in a coordinated and sustainable way,” he said.
The plan aligns with the national strategy Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors and places an emphasis on sustainable development, responsible recreation and the long-term maintenance of facilities.
The Galway County Outdoor Recreation Committee comprises representatives of Galway County Council, Forum Connemara, Galway Rural Development, Fáilte Ireland, Coillte, Waterways Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS ), Irish Farmers Association (IFA ), Bord na Móna, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI ) and Comhar na nOileán.
The official launch of the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2027–2031 is scheduled for early 2027.
