Galway County Council has established a new committee to coordinate the delivery of sustainable outdoor trails, parks and water-based infrastructure across County Galway, including trails, parks and water-based infrastructure.
Working under the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023–2027, the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Committee brings together local government, community and voluntary organisations and key state agencies to support a coordinated, countywide approach to outdoor recreation.
The committee held its first meeting on Thursday, 5 February, in the Council Chamber at Áras an Chontae, where members agreed its remit, set initial priorities for 2026 and began work on shared actions to expand outdoor recreation opportunities across the county.
A separate Galway Outdoor Recreation Project Team has also been established to support the Committee. It met for the first time on 21 January and will lead the preparation of the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2026-2030, which has been approved for funding by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. The five-year plan will guide investment and development across the sector.
The committee includes representatives from Galway County Council, Forum Connemara, Galway Rural Development, Fáilte Ireland, Coillte, Waterways Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Irish Farmers Association, Bord na Móna, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Comhar na nOileán.