Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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59. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to encourage farmers to participate in the creation of walking trails by incorporating measures into the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21266/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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At present, land used for recreational trails is not eligible land for payment under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).  In order to incorporate walking trails into the BPS, it would be necessary to designate such trails as landscape features under the terms and conditions of the Scheme.  It should be noted that the nature of these trails would represent a small amount of eligible land for payment.

However, any such designation must be based on clear environmental benefits that would accrue and would also involve maintenance and regulatory burdens for farmers.  Accordingly, the inclusion of such trails in the BPS is not currently regarded as a viable option.

As the Deputy may be aware, my colleague the Minster for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has responsibility for the Walks Scheme which is a trail maintenance scheme.  A Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to expand the Walks Scheme, and plans in this regard are due to be developed in 2016 subject to available funding.