COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 13th  2009

QUESTION NO. 9

QUESTION: Councillor C. Keane

"To ask the Manager how many ‘slí na sláinte’ walking routes have been implemented in the Rathfarnham area and to promote same?

REPLY:

Slí Na Sláinte is a simple and innovative scheme developed by the Irish Heart Foundation to encourage people of all ages and abilities to walk for leisure and good health. It uses attractive signage at kilometer intervals on established walking routes. In addition to letting people know the distance they walk, the signs are designed to encourage people to walk more frequently and to enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. 

In order for a route to become sustainable and approved the Slí Na Sláinte must be implemented in partnership with a community and if necessary, other appropriate commercial organisations, to become part of the approved list of Slí routes. A Slí Development Team must be set up to include members of the community and a representative/s from South Dublin County Council.  The group must then get a scale map of the area where the proposed route is located and highlight the chosen route, giving an estimate of the route length and signs needed along the route. When the group has reached this stage the Irish Heart foundation will meet with the appropriate representatives to discuss implementation / inauguration of the route.

During summer 2009 the Sports office supported Coillte Teoranta in the development of a new Slí map route in the Dublin Mountains.  The Community  Services department, through the  Sports office, will continue to promote the Slí Na Sláinte walking routes further in the Rathfarnham area within the constraints of the current budgetary climate.