Donegal Sports Partnership welcomes Walking for All Launch to Inspire Health, Inclusion and Community
Donegal Sports Partnership has today welcomed the announcement of a brand new ‘Walking for All’ programme, a major cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by Outscape, launched on Friday 27 February 2026 at The Junction, Dungannon. Supported by €7.5 million from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), ‘Walking for All’ will aim to engage over 14,000 people across rural areas in Northern Ireland and the border counties to engage in accessible, led walking activities.
Designed to improve health and well-being in rural communities by making walking more accessible, enjoyable, and social for everyone to explore and participate in, Walking for All, will deliver short, regular walks in local community spaces. The programme is open to adults, regardless of age, background, or ability. By fostering a focus on connection, inclusion, and well-being, Walking for All will seek to build sustainable, healthy communities and address issues such as social isolation, wellbeing and inactivity.
The programme is being delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 partner organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including 8 local authorities, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and 6 Local Sports Partnerships. Sport Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking), and the Public Health Agency are associate partners. Locally this project is being led by Margaret Farrelly, the newly appointed Walking for All Officer for Donegal Sports Partnership, who will support the development of these walking groups across the county/council area, working closely with local communities.
Sixteen dedicated Walking for All Officers have already been recruited and will lead the programme as well as train Walk Leaders, supporting the creation of nearly 600 walking groups and engaging thousands in regular, social walks over the next three years.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA said: ‘I’m delighted that my Department, working in partnership with DRCDG and SEUPB, is providing funding under the PEACEPLUS programme to the Walking for All (WFA) project. WFA is not just about walking – it is about inspiring people to come together through shared, volunteer led experiences, strengthening bonds within our rural communities while enjoying the beauty of our countryside at its very best.
This project will create a lasting legacy of healthier, happier and more connected rural communities, demonstrating the remarkable impact of community-led initiatives to inspire long-term positive change and helping rural areas to thrive as places where people can live, work and prosper.’
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement.
Minister Calleary said: “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who contributed to the Walking for All initiative. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will continue to support this outstanding project in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture,
Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The area will reap long-term benefits from this project”.
Minister Buttimer added: “This significant funding will support social interaction, reduce isolation and encourage active lifestyles. The planned investment will enable communities to reach their full potential in terms of the economy, society, and environment.”
Welcoming the announcement, Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said: “Walking for All reflects the purpose of PEACEPLUS by creating opportunities for people to come together in ways that strengthen health, confidence and connection. Many rural communities may not have easy access to sports facilities, and this programme offers a simple and inclusive way to address those challenges. By providing trained support, accessible routes and a welcoming structure, it will help thousands of people build new routines and deepen their sense of belonging together. We are pleased to support an initiative that encourages shared enjoyment of the outdoors and contributes to longterm wellbeing across our region.”-term wellbeing across our region.”
Gareth Moore, Head of Participation at Outscape added: “Walking for All will enable people of all ages and abilities across NI and the border counties to ‘step out’ in supported, inclusive and welcoming walking groups. Rooted in rural communities, this landmark participation programme seeks to increase levels of physical activity, while addressing social isolation and loneliness amongst some members of our community.
The funding from PEACEPLUS will bring communities to the heart of their local landscapes, enabling them to explore, create friendships and support each other through walking and in shared appreciation of the outdoors.
Trained Walk Leaders will deliver local walks within their communities, supported by Officers engaged by local authorities and sports partnerships. This network of Walk Leaders will be responsible for delivering life-enhancing support to their communities in a fun and fulfilling role, leading a short, regular weekly walk near their home. Together with our partners, we’re excited to offer everyone the opportunity to walk together, make new friends and improve their health through Walking for All.”
Walking for All is a key priority for both governments across the island, supporting public health, community wellbeing, and preventative action. Research shows that structured walking is one of the most cost-effective and inclusive ways to increase physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and deepen people’s connection with nature, whilst strengthening community participation and cross-sector collaboration.
Dawson Stelfox, Chair of Outscape and the first Irishman to summit Mount Everest speaking on the programme potential added; “Walking for All is a vital investment in community health and wellbeing across NI and the border counties of Ireland, rooted in the evidence that simple, locally led walking programmes can deliver lasting benefits which improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.
Outscape is proud to be the lead delivery partner for Walking for All working in partnership with Councils, LSPs, health bodies and community organisations. The programme has the potential to reach people who might otherwise be left behind, as well as create sustainable, positive change in community wellbeing and social cohesion across the region.”
Welcoming the launch announcement, CEO Declan Boyle from Donegal Sports Partnership said; “As CEO of Donegal Sports Partnership, I am delighted to welcome Margaret Farrelly as our Walking for All Officer for Donegal. Margaret will play a pivotal role in ensuring that communities across the county can access regular, locally led walks that are welcoming, inclusive and supportive. Through close collaboration with community groups, volunteers, partner organisations and agencies, she will help establish a strong and sustainable network of trained Walk Leaders, creating lasting opportunities for people to come together through walking.
This initiative will have a meaningful impact throughout Donegal, increasing opportunities for people to be active within their own communities, enhancing social connections, and contributing positively to both physical and mental wellbeing in a practical and community-focused way.
I would also like to sincerely acknowledge Outscape for their exceptional work in securing this funding and for providing us with such a valuable opportunity to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities. In addition, we are deeply grateful to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) for its continued support through the PEACEPLUS programme and for its significant investment in the people and communities of Donegal.“
The Walking for All launch event will take place on Friday, 27 February 2026, at The Junction, Dungannon. The event will bring together champions for outdoors and health, government departments, funders, and delivery partners to celebrate the start of this transformative programme.
Visit www.walkingforall.com for more information on becoming a Walk Leader or to find local walks.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Walking for All: Walking for All is a major cross-border participation initiative, supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by Outscape, designed to make walking accessible, enjoyable, and social for everyone. The programme aims to improve health and well-being in rural communities, foster social inclusion, and build lasting connections through the simple act of led walking.
Walking for All is strategically important across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland directly supporting government priorities on public health, community wellbeing, and preventative action. In Northern Ireland, it aligns with Programme for Government wellbeing and active living objectives and is specifically recognised within the Healthy Futures Obesity Strategic Framework (2025) as a scalable, population-level intervention. Across both jurisdictions, the programme responds directly to evidence that structured walking is one of the most cost-effective and inclusive ways to increase physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and deepen people’s connection with their local natural environment, while also strengthening community participation and cross-sector collaboration.
Walking for All programme partners:
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
- Ards and North Down Borough Council
- Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust
- Derry City and Strabane District Council
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
- Mid Ulster District Council
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
- Cavan Local Sports Partnership
- Donegal Local Sports Partnership CLG
- Leitrim Local Sports Partnership
- Louth Local Sports Partnership
- Monaghan Local Sports Partnership
- Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership
- Public Health Agency
- Sport Ireland
- Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking)
About PEACEPLUS
- The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
- PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The total value of PEACEPLUS is €1.14 billion.
- PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
About Outscape
Established in 1999, Outscape is a not-for-profit organisation working across the island of Ireland who are passionate about shaping the outdoors to improve physical and mental health, connect communities and generate economic gain.
Outscape’s vision is ‘A more active and healthy society appreciating the outdoors’. Outscape make it easier for people to responsibly enjoy the outdoors by;
- advocating for the integration of outdoor recreation into key government policies and strategies in Northern Ireland by evidencing the benefits.
- developing frameworks, strategies, and action plans at landscape, regional, and national levels.
- planning and creating high-quality trails and green spaces for a wide range of stakeholders.
- offering sector training, increasing awareness of outdoor opportunities, and implementing participation programmes.
