Consultation roadshow to gather views on Galway’s first ever outdoor recreation strategy
County Galway is preparing to launch their first five-year outdoor recreation strategy, and the public have been invited to share their views.
Throughout August, Outscape consultants will be conducting public events across the five municipalities for community members to have their say on the county’s first Outdoor Recreation Strategy, outlining the improvement and regeneration of outdoor activities.
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.
The first consultation event is set for Monday, August 10 at 7pm at the Oughterard Courthouse. On Tuesday, August 1, Athenry Community Hall will host a session from 2pm to 4pm, while Tuam will host an evening workshop starting at 7pm in Harmony Hall at the Brú Bhríde Family Resource Centre.
Members of the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Committee pictured at Áras an Chontae. © Galway County Council
Ballinasloe and Loughrea will host their events on Wednesday, August 12 at the Ballinasloe Family and Community Resource Centre from 2pm to 4pm and at the Temperance Hall in Loughrea at 7pm.
From August 17 to August 31, an online survey will be available on the Galway Council Council website for those unable to attend the in-person meetings.
“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,” Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said.
“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.”
The creation of an outdoor amenity strategy is supported by various funding schemes which have been delivered or are in the process of being delivered.
Meanwhile, applications are open for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2026/2027 funding scheme. Up to €100,000 of grant funding is available for infrastructure projects that support and promote outdoor recreation in rural areas.
The applications for the Project Development Measure and Measure 1 close on August 20, while the second and third measures close in November.
Over €100,000 was recently awarded to 12 community groups for climate, biodiversity, and environmental improvements in their area under the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF).
The funding is set to support TidyTown teams in Milltown, Oranmore, Abbey (South Galway), Tuam, An Spidéil, Ballygar, Clifden, Kilkerrin (North Galway), Kinvara, Mountbellew, Portumna and Woodford.
Galway County Councillor and Cathoirleach Andrew Reddington said: “This is a unique initiative in that it attempts to offer strategic funding to communities on a particular Tidy Towns pathway. All our tidy towns groups do very necessary work that complements the work of the Local Authority in keeping our towns and villages looking as well as they can.”
At a recent Galway County Council meeting, the elected members said they hope this increased funding will make way for smaller Tidy Town teams to liaise with more establish groups to garner more experience.