Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has 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 Arlene Johnston, the newly appointed Walking for All Officer for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, who will support the development of these walking groups across the 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.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell said, “We warmly welcome the launch of the Walking for All programme. This investment represents a significant opportunity for our rural communities to come together, improve their health and wellbeing, and tackle social isolation through simple, inclusive walking activities. We look forward to developing vibrant, sustainable walking groups across the district and helping more people enjoy the many physical, mental and social benefits of getting outdoors together.”
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.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 