Farmer taking ‘a stand for the land’

THE jailing of a Co Sligo farmer who did not pay a fine for using threatening and abusive behaviour towards two hill walkers on his land has re-opened an emotive rural issue — the rights of private property owners versus public access to the countryside for recreation.

Farmers protested outside Loughan House open prison in Co Cavan over the weekend in support of Andy McSharry (40), Gleniff, who was fined €300 with €100 costs at Grange District Court last month.

The part-time sheep farmer, who has 225 acres near Ben Bulben, denied he had intimidated the walkers, didn’t appeal the court decision or pay the penalty imposed on him.

Gardaí arrested him at his home last week and took him to prison to serve a 14-day sentence in default of paying the fine.

But he said he was taking a stand for the land, was not afraid of going to jail for it and that it was time someone stood up for small farmers.

Supporters rallied to his plight, highlighting the problems surrounding hill walking and access to farm land.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) in Sligo staged a protest outside Loughan Prison on Saturday and handed in a petition of almost 2,000 signatures calling for Mr McSharry’s release.

Malcolm Thompson and John Dillon, respective presidents of the ICSA and IFA, addressed the estimated 250 protestors.

Sligo ICSA county chairman Gabriel Gilmartin said most hill walkers are courteous and walk on lands with the consent of the farmer involved.

“However our concerns lie with those who do not have the courtesy or respect to seek permission to cross lands.”

Mr Gilmartin said farmers have genuine concerns about damage to property and personal injury to walkers with the associated insurance implications. Hikers and dogs can also cause stress to ewes, which are heavy in lamb at this time of the year.

“ICSA believes that farmers are very reasonable people and do not wish to see conflict between urban and rural communities,” he said.

“However, we will always defend the rights of farmers to be masters of their own properties, and to grant or refuse permission for access as they see fit.”

However, Keep Ireland Open, a group representing recreational users of the countryside, has called on a Joint Oireachtas Committee to recognise the fundamental importance of access to open hills, rivers and lakes.