Sir, – The real obstacle to the creation in Ireland of long-distance walking and cycling trails along the continental model lies in the fact that most of our national and local politicians have scant interest in either activity. At best, they are disinterested observers. At worst, they regard the outdoors as a branch of hippiedom. They could not possibly have any understanding or appreciation of the economic benefits that flow to the providers of such trails and the advantages to the physical and mental health of the users. – Yours, etc,
JUSTIN MacCARTHY,
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – As the TD who brought the Access to the Countryside Bill to the floor of Dáil Éireann in June 2013, I write to support the remarks in your editorial (December 16th).
You are absolutely correct to say we need much better access to the countryside for walkers. We get at least 750,000 tourists each year who want to walk in our beautiful countryside. They, and Irish walkers, are far too restricted in terms of where they can walk.
Some progress on a voluntary basis has been made but we need some legislation to progress the situation so that Ireland can compete with the likes of Scotland and Wales.
In addition to being good for people’s health, walking trails actually generate considerable income for the local economy. The Fife Coastal Path in Scotland generates something like £28 million annually with 500-600 jobs created.
In the new year, I will put as much pressure as I can on the Oireachtas environment committee to progress my legislation. Any support I get from the wider public on this issue would be helpful. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT DOWDS, TD
Leinster House,
Dublin 2.
Sir, – I found Sean McCann's (December 19th) opening line "Obviously we need a proper network of hiking trails on publicly owned land'' a bit ironic.
He decries the perceived suburbanite expectation that farm land should be open to access by ramblers.
At the same time he makes no reference to the fact that frequently the most vociferous opponents of opening up as walkways public assets such as redundant railway lines are the people who own land abutting them.
Generally these people are farmers who can’t seem to differentiate between their own land and public land adjoining their property.
This failure to differentiate has on occasions extended to squatting on public property and suing for adverse possession. – Yours, etc,
TADHG Ó FOGHLU,
Vincentia,
Australia.