LEADER can help people enjoy, manage & protect Ireland’s uplands Helen Lawless 30 th September 2015

Outline of presentation

What percentage of Ireland is above 300m? What percentage is above 600m? 6% 0.35% Figures courtesy of Paul Egan, Irish Uplands Forum

Important for biodiversity

High Nature Value farming

Important for society

Important for tourism

‘Maintained by generations of hill-farmers, Ireland’s uplands provide a range of vital benefits to society, including hill-farming, water supplies, recreation and biodiversity. There are many threats to their ecological, social and economic viability and responses need an integrated approach… The Dungarvan Declaration

‘…The Who Cares for the Uplands conference calls on government to support a programme for the sustainable management of Ireland’s uplands by locally based partnership groups.’ (2014) The Dungarvan Declaration contd.

All-island governing body 11,550 members in clubs, 1,300 individuals Mountaineering Ireland

, Our Mission …represent and support the walkers and climbers of Ireland and to be a voice for the sustainable use of Ireland’s mountains, hills, coastline, crags, forests

Training local guides Lowland Leader Award New award for leading groups on defined tracks Nationally accredited scheme – Ireland & UK Details on

Conservatin – Current Priorities

Comhairle na Tuaithe

Mountaineering Ireland, Rural Recreation Officers

Cronin’s Yard, Co. Kerry Car-parking, toilets Tea room with open fire Camping and pods

National Trails Office Standards & classification Trail development advice Trails inspection

Guiding Principles on

Capacity building & training Employment opportunities Feasibility studies Capital works

Working together to find the best way forward

Thank you for your attention