Waterford LEADER Partnership proudly marked the official launch of the upgraded Ramp Boreen Loop in Tallow, Co. Waterford.
Funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), with match funding from Tallow Community Council, the project was delivered on the ground by Waterford LEADER Partnership as part of its ongoing rural recreation development connected to the Walks Scheme.
In 2025, Waterford LEADER Partnership successfully brought the Ramp Boreen onto the Department’s Walks Scheme, ensuring continued maintenance and long-term development of the route in collaboration with local landowners and the community.
Speaking at the launch, CEO Christine Rossi emphasised Waterford LEADER Partnership’s dedication to supporting sustainable, community-led projects:
“We are proud to play our part in supporting the ongoing maintenance and future development of this well-loved walk. The Ramp Boreen is a great example of what can be achieved when a community and local partners work side by side.”
The upgrade works, overseen by Waterford LEADER Partnership, included widening and resurfacing the path, improving drainage, enhancing accessibility, and installing new signage to highlight the surrounding protected habitats, including the Blackwater Special Area of Conservation.
Cllr John Pratt, Deputy Mayor and chairman of Tallow Community Council, heralded the generosity of the landowners providing permissive access to walkers:
“Through liaising with landowners who have given us permission […] we wouldn’t have the walk without the landowners’ permission from the first day”.
He added:
“This is an extremely well-used facility and it’s great to have it on our doorstep”.
Waterford LEADER Partnership extended sincere thanks to Tallow Community Council for their strong partnership and match-funding support, as well as to contractor Ned O’Rourke and his team for the high standard of work delivered. The organisation also acknowledged the vital ongoing contributions of local groups such as the Men’s Shed and Tidy Towns.
Following the official ribbon cutting, attendees participated in a guided nature walk led by Alan Walshe (Wild With Walshe), which placed a strong focus on the native biodiversity of the Ramp Boreen. Attendees explored the area’s diverse habitats and were introduced to the history and folklore associated with native Irish plants and wildflowers found in everyday places like the Ramp Boreen.
The event was supported by Waterford Sports Partnership as part of Waterford Walking Week, a series of events promoting walking and physical activity in communities across Co. Waterford, running from 13th to 19th April 2026.
The upgraded Ramp Boreen is now open to the public, offering an improved, more accessible, and scenic walking experience.
