Courtown Woods is a popular pathway on the Wexford Walking Trail. Pic: Christy Farrell.

Members of Gorey Municipal District Council have pledged their support for the Wexford Walking Trail, which is due for launch in the Spring, following a presentation seeking support and a briefing on status given at the monthly meeting.

The purpose of the presentation, which focussed on the North Wexford area and was conducted by Mary Donohoe, Catherine MacPartlin, Grainne Hartnett and Paul Dubsky, was “to brief you on our status, to seek your support and to identify mutual benefits from collaboration.”

There are 17 trails throughout Co. Wexford, with more to follow as they develop and meet standards, and future plans include NTO (National Trails Office), registration, launch a Walking Trails brochure, maps and video, offer a quality, structured and enjoyable experience, and two organise the second Walking Festival.

Gorey area has six trails, Askamore, Ballymoney, Courtown, Ferns, Kilanerin and Tara Hill, each with its own character from hill to historic and diversity, hill walking, coastal, woodland, historic and scenic.

Laying their case before the members, the deputation outlined their needs from  Wexford County Council, including 250 tons of hard-core and way mark posts at Kilanerin; 20 tons of hard-core and way mark posts for Tara Hill; the same for Askamore; and way mark posts and advice on siting posts on footpaths at Ferns.

Council members expressed support for the project.

Similar presentations will be made before the other Municipal Councils and a final endorsement is expected at a future meeting of Wexford County Council.

Full story this week in THE GOREY ECHO.