“Much More Than a Document”: Clare’s Outdoor Recreation Plan Sets Out Shared Vision
County Clare’s new Outdoor Recreation Plan was formally launched in Inchiquin on Friday, setting out a shared, community‑led vision for protecting, enhancing and growing outdoor recreation across the county. Speaking at the event, CLDC Rural Recreation Officer Eoin Hogan emphasised that the plan is “much more than the launch of a document – it is the launch of a shared vision for how we protect, develop and enjoy one of County Clare’s greatest assets – our outdoors.”
He highlighted three core themes running through the plan: participation, partnership and sustainability. Participation means making sure everyone can enjoy the outdoors regardless of age, ability or background – from a first walk on a local trail to kayaking, cycling safely between communities or simply spending time in nature for wellbeing.
Partnership recognises that no single organisation can deliver this vision alone, and that local authorities, State agencies, landowners, community groups, clubs, tourism providers and volunteers must continue working together through the Clare Outdoor Recreation Committee. Sustainability reflects both the popularity and the pressure on iconic places like the Burren, Loop Head, the Shannon Estuary and Lough Derg, and commits to responsible recreation, strong visitor management and protection of biodiversity so future generations inherit landscapes as special as those enjoyed today.
Eoin also underlined the plan’s strong focus on access – connecting communities to “green and blue spaces” and making outdoor recreation part of everyday life. This includes improving trail infrastructure, supporting public transport initiatives, increasing accessibility for people with disabilities and developing the “connecting kilometre” that links where people live with the places they can walk, cycle or paddle.
He paid particular tribute to landowners and local communities whose goodwill underpins Clare’s trail network, stressing that continued relationships based on trust, respect and collaboration are fundamental to the success of outdoor recreation in the county.
As Rural Recreation Officer, Eoin noted that the plan builds on months of consultation and the collective efforts of the Clare Outdoor Recreation Committee, Clare Sports Partnership, Clare Local Development Company, Clare County Council, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service, farming organisations, outdoor clubs, commercial providers, tourism organisations and volunteers.
He said the true measure of success will be implementation over the next five years: more people safely enjoying the outdoors, stronger and healthier communities, thriving rural businesses, better‑connected trails, improved accessibility and landscapes that remain protected as County Clare positions itself as a leader in sustainable outdoor recreation.
Earlier Jessica O’Keeffe from Clare Sports Partnership kicked off the gathering and captured the enthusiasm involved from all of those who contributed to the document – “It has been a privilege to work alongside so many passionate individuals and organisations to develop Clare’s first County Outdoor Recreation Plan. The level of engagement throughout the process demonstrates the value people place on our outdoors, and I’m excited to see the partnerships and projects that will emerge as we move into the implementation phase.”
Also in attendance at the event were local Councillor and Cathaoirleach Joe Killeen, Mary Van Lieshout of Sport Ireland, Joe Sweeney of Clare Sports Partnership, Rebecca Rolston of Swim Ireland, Ian Hutchinson of Coillte, Brendan Kenny of Ireland Association Adventure Tourism, Siobhan King of Failte Ireland, Brendan Boyce of Clare County Council and Diarmaid Williams of Clare Local Development Company.
More information on the Clare Outdoor Recreation Plan – Community‑Led Vision is available on the Clare Local Development Company website at cldc.ie/clare-outdoor-recreation-plan.
