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[Press Release: April 25th, 2005] De Burca calls for new walking and cycling routes in Wicklow to boost tourismFollowing the announcement by Failte Ireland that it is to set up national walking and cycling routes in a bid to bolster falling tourist numbers and to entice visitors back to Ireland, Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca has called on Wicklow County Council and Wicklow Tourism to develop such routes in the county."We are all aware that County Wicklow has huge potential to develop its tourism potential" says de Burca. "Given that we have the reputation as the Garden of Ireland, and that we are situated just next to Dublin, we should be able to attract huge numbers of tourists into the county by imaginatively developing walking trails and cycling routes". De Burca claims that around 100,000 visitors come to Ireland on cycling holidays every year, and that the overseas market is worth around 86 million euros. She points to Failte Ireland figures which suggest that the walking market is worth around 113 million euros, and that this could double if the authority's ambitious plans are realised. "We have got to ensure that we have the kind of walks that fit into the modern holiday types" says de Burca. "Failte Ireland estimates that about 30pc of visitors walk less than five kilometres. We must identify a range of shorter and longer walking trails that will suit all types. We must also identify a network of cycle routes along secondary roads where there is less traffic". The Green councillor has called for a clear mapping system for the county, and claims that it would require a minimal amount of work and investment. "It will bring a lot of extra business back into rural communities" she says. "The farming community and landowners benefit greatly in terms of B&Bs, country farmhouses and so on". De Burca claims that the marketing of these routes will be very important and has called on Wicklow Tourism to liaise closely with Failte Ireland in this regard.
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