National Outdoor Recreation Strategy

What's this about?

A National Outdoor Recreation Strategy is currently being developed by Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council) in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, TD has launched a public consultation on the strategy to give members of the public a chance to have their say on how outdoor amenities should be developed in Ireland in future. Anyone can get involved to have their say, by completing an online questionnaire (Click here) before 23 June 2021. 

The strategy will provide a vision and an overarching framework for the growth and development of outdoor recreation in Ireland, creating a shared approach for the many strategies, programmes, agencies and elements in Ireland’s outdoor recreation sector. Responses to the consultation process will inform the preparation of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

What is Outdoor Recreation?

“Outdoor recreation” means activities that take place in the natural environment, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming. It does not include activities that take place outdoors on confined courses or pitches (such as golf, football, showjumping) nor motorised activities (such as quads).

A word from Minister Humphreys:

“Our outdoor amenities – like our hiking trails, cycleways, rivers, forests and mountains – and the contribution which they make to our physical and mental wellbeing, have never been more appreciated than over the last year. Outdoor recreation is also going to play a valuable role in supporting Ireland’s future recovery as restrictions on movements are relaxed and the tourism sector fully re-opens. A cohesive National Outdoor Recreation Strategy has the capacity to benefit our economies, while also promoting responsible use of the countryside. I am delighted that Comhairle na Tuaithe are leading on this work in conjunction with my Department."

Further Information 

There is a two-stage consultation process whereby members of the public and interested stakeholders are encouraged to share their views on outdoor recreation.

Public consultation Stage 1 is now open. It gives an opportunity for input at an early stage of the development of the Strategy. The aim is to gather a broad range of views and shape the main themes of the Strategy.  The closing date for submissions is 23 June 2021.

To share your views on outdoor recreation, please click on the link below and complete the online questionnaire.

For those who would like to submit their views by hard copy, please open this open and print this form , complete it and post it to:

Lèon Fox, Department of Rural and Community Development, Government Buildings, Brook Street, Ballina, Co Mayo. F26 E8N6

Public Consultation Stage 2

When a draft Strategy has been prepared, there will be a call for feedback on the document later this year.

Any questions on the consultation process can be emailed to NORS@drcd.gov.ie