Farmers should now yield right of way

IT’S a pity so much emphasis has been concentrated traditionally on the performance of elite sportsmen and women and so little on ‘sport for all’.

Walking is a leisure activity that can be enjoyed by people of every age. A well-designed, convenient path network can be a prime weapon against obesity and has benefits for tourism, road safety (by keeping walkers off busy roads) and even for commuting.

Less than 100km from Dublin there is an area with a footpath network soextensive that many walkers can reach it directly from home. It is complete with stiles, gates, steps on steep sections, footbridges and suitable maps.