Portumna

Early morning sea swims. A walk along a well-trodden countryside trail just before sunset. A kayak on a quiet lake you'll never get tired of exploring. A mountain peak that offers the best panoramic views in your county and the long therapeutic hike up to it.&nbsp;
Everyone has that one place — that one winding trail, cliff walk, or crystal-water cove — that sticks in your mind long after you've visited it. Perhaps it's someplace local that you return to again and again, looking for new ways to enjoy your time there — this weekend with a picnic, the next with a swim at the shore beyond.&nbsp;
If you find yourself frustrated, however, with the lack of investment or maintenance that those locations receive, now might be your chance to raise your concerns.
The government are currently in the early stages of developing a National Outdoor Recreation Strategy to improve the accessibility and quality of our outdoor amenities.&nbsp;

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<h5 style="text-align:center;">No, that's not Yosemite - it's Wexford!</h5>
The strategy intends to encourage more people to take up outdoor activities like wild swimming, canoeing, and hiking. A public consultation has now been launched by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D. The strategy will be developed by Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council).&nbsp;
At this stage, they are asking members of the public to have their say. You can help decide what is most important ie. better education on respecting the environment, increased access to private and public land, better management of trails, and so on.
You will also have the opportunity to highlight the biggest challenges facing outdoor recreation and offer suggestions.
Opinions can be submitted anonymously and the survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. The closing date is June 23rd, 2021.
If you're interested in taking part, you can fill out the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/NationalOutdoorRecreationStrategyConsultation" target="_self">online questionnaire here</a>.&nbsp;

Public Invited to Have Say in National Outdoor Recreation Strategy

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