Minister confident of progress on walkways
“I see progress on this issue being based on recognised walks such as waymarked ways or shorter walks, which would be promoted by Fáilte Ireland. The walks would be managed by local community groups,” Mr Ó Cuív said in the Dáil.
“Where it is not possible to reach agreement, in a particular location, alternative routes should be explored and developed so landowners’ rights over access to their lands are not interfered with. Many of these walks do not need a great amount of work, just signage and bits and pieces here and there.”
According to the minister, “My department, in consultation with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Fáilte Ireland, Comhar LEADER na hÉireann, and the National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee, are identifying further looped walks and waymarked ways for development. Details will be made available over the coming weeks and months of the work required to bring these up to the best international standards. I have set aside a further €1.5 million for this purpose.”
Mr Ó Cuív said he believes the IFA is now approaching the issue of countryside access in a positive spirit, with a view to implementing the recreation strategy put forward by Comhairle na Tuaithe, already endorsed by the other farming organisations on that body.
He said payment for access is not under discussion, and there has been very little difference on this between his position and that of the IFA. “What the IFA has sought is a payment for the maintenance of specific walks throughout the country, and I agree there should be no cost burden on farmers from the maintenance of permissive ways open to the public at no charge.”
According to the minister, “Any payment will be based on the cost of materials and labour in doing the works that are necessary. We will get competent people to calculate exactly what work is needed. If there is no cost to maintain a stretch of 300 metres because it is self-containing, then there is no cost. However, if a swampy bit of land needs continuous maintenance, then there is a cost. I do not see why the farmer should lose money to maintain it.
“Someone should be there to resolve any problem that arises, be it people leaving litter behind them, breaking stiles or whatever. This will be done on a cost basis.
“I have asked that officials of my department and representatives of the IFA meet to progress the issue and report back to me.”
Mr Ó Cuív said the option to use the rural social scheme is a very live one, because many farmers are not particularly interested in working on walkways. “I also discussed with the IFA the situation where people access mountains and hills through enclosed land by going over field gates and across fields. We will try to get local solutions to the problem of accessing a hill through a passageway without going through someone’s field that might have cattle or crops.”
