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

3. Outline of presentation

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

5. Important for biodiversity

6. High Nature Value farming

7. Important for society

8. Important for tourism

9. ‘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

10. ‘…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.

12. All-island governing body 11,550 members in 2014 174 clubs, 1,300 individuals www.mountaineering.ie Mountaineering Ireland

13. , 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

14. Training local guides Lowland Leader Award New award for leading groups on defined tracks Nationally accredited scheme – Ireland & UK Details on www.mountaineering.iewww.mountaineering.ie

15. Conservatin – Current Priorities

16. Comhairle na Tuaithe

17. Mountaineering Ireland, Rural Recreation Officers

18. Cronin’s Yard, Co. Kerry Car-parking, toilets Tea room with open fire Camping and pods http://www.croninsyard.com

19. National Trails Office Standards & classification Trail development advice Trails inspection www.irishtrails.ie

22. Guiding Principles on www.helpingthehills.ie

23. Capacity building & training Employment opportunities Feasibility studies Capital works

24. Working together to find the best way forward

25. Thank you for your attention. helen@mountaineering.ie 01 6251115