To celebrate National Walking Day, the GAA, in partnership with Healthy Ireland, are pleased to announce the launch of Phase 3 of the Healthy Ireland Walking Track Upgrade Programme and the availability of €500,000 in support.
This programme makes Government of Ireland funding available to support clubs to improve their existing walking tracks and expand opportunities for community participation in physical activity. This latest phase builds on the outstanding success of the programme’s first two phases, which have already transformed walking facilities in 102 clubs across 26 counties.
Since 2022, Healthy Ireland have invested funding of €1.6 million in supporting GAA Clubs walking track upgrade projects. Demand for the initiative has been exceptionally strong, with over 300 clubs across phases one and two seeking funding of almost €9 million in support, highlighting the significant need for safe, accessible, community walking facilities in local communities.
Building on the success to date, Healthy Ireland have provided an additional €500,000 to support more GAA clubs to provide local walking facilities that offers members and the wider community the opportunity to engage in everyday physical activity in a safer environment to walking on busy or dangerous roads.
The programme has delivered measurable benefits for clubs and communities with Phase one and two clubs reporting an average increase in track usage of 92 percent, and a 95 percent increase in track usage by those with mobility issues. Beyond increasing access to physical activity, the walking track upgrade programme has strengthened connections between clubs and their local communities. Many clubs have experienced increased engagement with schools, older persons’ groups, care homes, local community organisations and residents who previously had limited or no involvement with the club
The programme has proven particularly successful in supporting participation among older adults, people with mobility issues, wheelchair users, parents and children, which has helped clubs create more inclusive and welcoming environments where everyone belongs. For many clubs and communities, particularly in rural areas, the upgraded walking track has supported both health and wellbeing through opportunities for social connection.
Funding awarded to phase one and phase two clubs enabled them to install energy-efficient LED and solar lighting, improve track surfaces, extend accessibility, particularly during winter months, and reduce ongoing costly maintenance requirements. These improvements have created safer, more sustainable community infrastructure that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “Our clubs are at the heart of their local communities where we are committed to a manifesto of creating a GAA Where We All Belong. This initiative is a real-life example of how GAA club facilities make a contribution far and above the games between the white lines. The success to date, the tangible benefits, the deepening connection and the impact of these walking facilities on people of all ages is exactly what clubs aim to be, in the service of the people who call them home. We are enormously grateful for the assistance of Healthy Ireland and the Government for their continued, valuable support.”
Walking tracks are important and valuable local resources, serving as daily walking spaces, meet up points for organised walking groups and for initiatives such as Ireland Lights Up and the Irish Life Steps Challenge. The evidence from the previous phases demonstrates that investment in accessibility, lighting and surface improvements leads to increased physical activity, greater community participation and improved access for people with mobility challenges.
Phase 3 will help more clubs and communities benefit from improved walking infrastructure by offering funding through a competitive application process to support the upgrading of existing walking tracks.
Clubs interested in applying for Phase 3 funding can access Guidance for clubs and expression of interest information:
Expression of Interest Form: 2026-27 PHASE 3 HEALTHY IRELAND WALKING TRACKS GRANT OPPORTUNITY (26 county clubs only) – Fill out form