IFA publishes proposals to end right-of-access dispute

The Irish Farmers Association has published proposals aimed at ending a long-running dispute between walkers and farmers over access to private land.

Walking tourism has declined by around 70% in the past five years because many farmers refuse to allow ramblers to access their property.

Walkers claim they are prevented from using rights of way that have been in place for decades, while farmers claim hikers frequently damage their crops and leave gates open.

Under the Countryside Walkways Programme announced by the IFA today, the Department of Tourism would compensate farmers for allowing ramblers onto their land.

The programme has yet to receive government backing, but IFA president John Dillon said he believed it was a good compromise.