Access to land must come at a price for those who want it
Not all of these visitors show the expected respect for the property, to go with their claimed right to roam the countryside.
In a litigation conscious society, the farmer is perfectly entitled to limit exposure to possible claims, by controlling access.
The losers are the many people who enjoy a walk in peaceful tranquil countryside, respect the property along the way, and have no interest in causing problems for the landowner. IFA’s proposal for a Countrywide Management Scheme strikes a healthy balance. A small payment is proposed to the landowner for access, covering any inconveniences and maintenance costs. Full indemnity against litigation is proposed.
The estimated cost is between €6m and €15m per annum. Who should pay?
In a recent Agri-Aware survey, almost half of those interviewed (48%) felt that those using the facility would be prepared to pay. They already pay for access to many private and state owned amenities.
However, a sizeable proportion (39%) believed they have a right to free access. To operate a fee per person for access could be difficult, time demanding and costly, and would result in higher charges to the public than a flat rate Government payment to land owners participating in such a scheme.
