Article first published in:
Wicklow Mountain Views – The Newsletter of the Wicklow Uplands Council.
Issue No. 28.
Co. Wicklow’s Rural Recreational Officer
The Rural Recreation Officer (RRO) works closely with community groups, small business enterprises and tourism bodies to access advice, support and funding for the development and enhancement of recreational projects, activity tourism and related infrastructure.
There are 12 RROs positions nationwide that are funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with the support of Fáilte Ireland., The positions stem from the recognition of the important task of developing sustainable tourism in local communities.
Managed by County Wicklow Partnership, and currently the only RRO funded for on the east coast, the position is considered to be an essential link to the continued growth of Wicklow’s tourism sector.
The Rural Recreation Officer also acts as a local connection with stakeholders that include Sport Ireland Trails, Coillte, Wicklow Co. Council, Fáilte Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wicklow Uplands Council and private landowners who provide recreational users access to their lands. Naturally, the fostering of warm relationships between all interested parties is a key focus to the role.
The responsibilities of the Rural Recreation Officer include:
- The implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy
- Promoting and encouraging the development, delivery and improvement of recreational projects, infrastructure and activities including land, water and air based activities
- The work associated with the roll-out of the National Walks Scheme
- To coordinate and oversee the management and enhancement of trails in the county
- Assisting Fáilte Ireland in the development, marketing and promotion of trails and key walking destinations, including media and trade visits
- Work with local communities in developing trails and assisting in organising walking festivals
- Implementation of the ‘Leave No Trace’ Initiative
One of the other major undertakings of the role is the currentreview of the The Wicklow Outdoor Recreation Strategy under the stewardship of the Wicklow Outdoor Recreational Committee. Once completed, it will shape Outdoor Recreation in the County for the next 5 years, and comes at a time of increased development of blueways, greenways and the network of integrated trails throughout the county.
Bryan Fennell took up the position of RRO in February, having previously held the post of a Support & Development Officer with the ‘No Name! Club’; a national youth organisation whose headquarters are in Baltinglass.
A resident of the West Wicklow community of Hollywood, he brings to the role extensive experience and qualifications in the recreational, mountaineering, watersports and trails sectors. Bryan holds qualifications in a range of adventure sports and is a qualified outdoor education facilitator, having graduated from GMIT in Castlebar with a degree in Outdoor Education and Leisure. He is an avid adventurer and also sits on the Board of Management of Canoeing Ireland.
Bryan can be contacted in the County Wicklow Partnership on 0402 20955 or by email: bfennell@wicklowpartnership.ie
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