RTÉ Countrywide Highlights CLDC-Supported Trail Work in the Burren
The vital work of volunteers maintaining County Clare’s walking trails has received national recognition, with RTÉ’s Countrywide programme recently shining a spotlight on efforts supported by Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) through its Rural Recreation Scheme.
Broadcast on Saturday 21 March 2026, the programme (Listen from 39:10) visited the Burren to meet members of Mountain Meitheal West as they carried out essential maintenance on the Carran Loop. The feature brought national attention to the ongoing work that keeps Clare’s trails safe, accessible and sustainable for all users.
Mountain Meitheal volunteers, working across five regions in Ireland, play a key role in maintaining upland paths and long-distance waymarked routes. Their work includes clearing vegetation such as hazel, brambles and briars, repairing footpaths, and ensuring trails remain clearly marked and safe to navigate.
In County Clare, this work is coordinated and supported by CLDC through its Rural Recreation Scheme. Rural Recreation Officer Eoin Hogan works closely with volunteers to organise maintenance projects that protect the natural environment while enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for both locals and visitors.
During the Countrywide visit, volunteers focused on clearing vegetation from pathways, marker posts and signage along the Carran Loop. Their efforts on the day were further supported by ten students from the University of Limerick Outdoor Pursuits Club, highlighting the strong community and youth engagement behind the initiative.
The programme also showcased the broader scope of work carried out under the scheme, including drainage improvements and the construction of stone steps and stiles to improve trail resilience and user safety.
All such works are carefully completed before 1 March each year, in line with the Wildlife Act, which protects nesting birds and habitats during the breeding season.
The RTÉ feature serves as a timely reminder of the importance of CLDC’s Rural Recreation Scheme in supporting volunteers and sustaining Clare’s outdoor infrastructure. By enabling this work, CLDC helps ensure that the county’s renowned landscapes, including the Burren, remain accessible, protected and enjoyed by future generations.
To listen to the Countrywide feature, broadcast on Saturday 21 March 2026, visit RTÉ Radio 1.
For more information on the Rural Recreation Scheme, visit Rural Recreation – CLDC | Clare Local Development Company.