If you’ve spent any time wandering the walking trails of County Wexford recently, you may have noticed how well-kept, accessible, and welcoming they are. That doesn’t happen by accident!
Wexford Walking Trails (WWT) CLG has officially released its 2025 Trail Maintenance Report, and it is packed with proof of what community spirit, stellar volunteering, and smart funding can achieve.
Here is a quick look at how we kept our county’s trails running smoothly last year, and what lies ahead.
2025 by the Numbers
Keeping 88+ trails across 39 locations safe and beautiful is a massive team effort. Here’s a quick snapshot of the network’s scale:
- 30 Voluntary Trail Management Organisations (TMOs).
- 39 Unique trail locations across the county.
- 88+ Individual recreational trails maintained.
- €60,000 In crucial maintenance funding allocated by Wexford County Council.
The Big Wins of 2025
Last year was a busy one, marked by major milestones for inclusivity and trail quality:
- Accessible Trails Launched: On June 15, 2025, Wexford officially launched its new accessible walking trails, opening up the beauty of our landscape to even more people.
- Comfort for All: New accessible seating was installed across 22 different walking trails.
- Storm Recovery: Heavy winter storms early in the year caused significant tree falls and path damage. Thanks to swift coordination, emergency clearing and surface repairs got our paths back in action quickly.
- The “Walk Scheme” Expansion: Five trails successfully joined the national Walk Scheme (managed by Rural Recreation Officer Georgina Gaul), ensuring dedicated maintenance for trail sections on private lands.
Volunteer Power vs. Heavy Lifting
The magic of Wexford’s trails lies in the balance between local volunteers and professional contractors.
Did you know? Our local TMO volunteers are only permitted to use manual tools. They did incredible work last year filling potholes by hand, clearing fallen branches, painting fences, and keeping trails litter-free.
For the heavy-duty stuff, professional contractors stepped in to handle:
- Safety Upgrades: Re-grading steep sections (like Annagh Hill) and fixing subsidence and fencing (Cahore Point).
- Structural Repairs: Resetting rock armor and replacing footbridge planks (Courtown Kiltennel).
- Forest Management: Clearing massive fallen trees (Courtown Woods, Ringwood, and Blackwater Forest).
Where the Money Went
Every euro drawn down was put to excellent use to keep our paths safe and up to Sport Ireland standards:
|
Category |
Expenditure |
What it Covered |
|
Trail Maintenance & Signage |
€37,807.18 |
Physical repairs, non-slip rubber boardwalk matting, and directional signs. |
|
Running Costs & Assets |
€25,450.47 |
Insurance, website upkeep, trail counter licenses, and a brand-new storage shed at Holmestown. |
(Note: This doesn’t even include the 14 major tasks completed directly by Wexford County Council’s Garden Crew!)
What’s Next for 2026?
We aren’t slowing down! The 2026 Maintenance Schedule is already being drawn up using fresh spring monitoring reports to target the areas that need it most.
We are also hoping to add four more trails to the Walk Scheme this year to secure even more support for private land sections.
Whether you are a casual Sunday stroller or a seasoned hiker, keep an eye out for our volunteers in high-vis vests—and be sure to give them a wave of thanks next time you’re out!
