John G O'Dwyer: Outdoor businesses are being gobbled up by a voracious insurance monster

Claims culture in Ireland must be tackled

 For recreationalists using private land for activities such as hillwalking and mountain biking, insurance should be seen as their own responsibility, not that of the landowner.  Picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

Dubliner Colm Berry set up Woodland Segways in 2014, offering two-wheeled tours of Lough Key Forest Park, Co Roscommon. His insurance cost €1,200 in his first operating year, but by 2019 his public liability quote was €30,000, so he was forced to close the business. 

Berry believes that unless there is dramatic reform, he would be reluctant to recommend anyone to start an outdoor activity business. “In fact, I say, don’t touch it with a barge pole."