A LEADER case study on the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) Ulster Ireland Cooperation project has recently been added to the NRN website.
The IAT Ulster Ireland is a coast-to-coast cross-border walking trail. In 2016, led by Donegal Local Development CLG and Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership, six Local Action Groups (LAGs) came together to determine whether there would be sufficient interest in taking the IAT forward as a Cooperation project.
Funding received under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (extended to 2022) has had a transformational impact on the trail. Among the benefits has been the establishment of an international standard high quality walking experience; increased uniformity across the route with regard to trail infrastructure, branding and marketing; and the creation of a strong working relationship between the partner LAGs involved.
The case study is available to view here.