Galway County Council has established a new committee to coordinate the delivery of sustainable outdoor amenities 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 representatives from local government, the community and voluntary sector and several state agencies.
The committee held its first meeting on Thursday, 5 February, in the Council Chamber of ?ras an Chontae, where members agreed on its remit, set initial priorities for 2026 and began work on shared actions to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities.
Michael Owens, Director of Services with Galway County Council and Chairperson of the Committee, said the new body represents an important step towards a coordinated countywide approach to high-quality, accessible and sustainable outdoor recreation for residents and visitors.
“The group will be crucial for identifying local needs in communities across the county and ensuring that initiatives align with national policy for sustainable development.
“The Council will continue to provide updates as work on the strategy progresses.”
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 membership comprises representatives of Galway County Council, Forum Connemara, Galway Rural Development, Fáilte Ireland, Coillte, Waterways Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Bord na Móna, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), and Comhar na nOileán.
