How We Can Support You
Walking & Recreation Trail Supports in South Kerry
The Walks Scheme
South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP) administers The Walks Scheme locally on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
The Walks Scheme is the core national support programme for walking trails, particularly those that cross privately owned land. Its primary aim is to enhance, develop and maintain key walking routes while supporting the landowners whose lands these trails traverse.
The scheme supports a range of recognised walking routes, including:
National Waymarked Ways
Looped Walking Routes
Heritage Walking Routes
Support for Landowners
The Walks Scheme is specifically aimed at private landowners. Participating landowners enter into an agreed contract (typically up to five years) to carry out a specified maintenance and improvement plan on approved walking routes that pass through their land.
Key features include:
- Twice-yearly payments made to landowners for agreed maintenance works
- Clearly defined work plans tailored to each trail section
- Support for ongoing trail enhancement and sustainability
All trails supported under the scheme must be Sport Ireland Outdoors registered, such as the Kerry Way and recognised looped routes.
Benefits of the Walks Scheme
- Direct financial payments to landowners for trail maintenance and upkeep
- Local coordination and support through SKDP’s Rural Recreation Officer (RRO), who works closely with landowners, communities and volunteers
- Partnership-based trail development, involving community groups, local organisations and national agencies
- Long-term support that helps ensure trails remain safe, accessible and well-maintained