Concern is being expressed in parts of the State over the refusal by some farmers to allow hill-walkers, ramblers and mountaineers traditional access to their lands. The growth in the number of people engaging in these activities has increased dramatically in recent years as the amount of leisure time available and ease of access to the countryside has improved.
Bord Fáilte estimates that more than a quarter of a million tourists came here on walking-related holidays last year. This was in addition to about 100,000 Irish people who are active walkers at varying levels. By any measurement, it amounts to big business. In the current climate, where tourist traffic is expected to shrink for a second year in succession, the Departments of Agriculture and of Sports, Arts and Tourism, should do everything possible to ensure it operates smoothly.
The Irish Farmers' Association, while concerned about the rights of its members, has been generally supportive of walkers. Seven years ago, it negotiated the terms of the Occupiers' Liability Act so as to ensure that farmers and other property owners were protected against insurance claims by uninvited visitors on their lands. In spite of that, some farmers in the west and south-west resented the intrusions. Others, whose incomes were under pressure last year, were deeply annoyed by the withdrawal of an element of the EU's Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), under which payments had been made to allow for public access. They felt they should benefit directly from the wealth generated by walking-related tourism.
A discussion paper on the matter is currently being prepared within Bord Fáilte. But, given the existing budgetary difficulties, the Government may be reluctant to consider any initiative that would cost money. Organised walking holidays are big business in France, Spain, Italy and Greece and they provide significant financial benefits to the hospitality sector in isolated rural areas. There is no reason why this sector of the industry should not be developed in Ireland. But every interest group must become involved and farmers, as well as the various rural communities, should benefit in a direct way from the development. Advance consultation and a proper educational programme will go some way to addressing those tensions that already exist. The reintroduction of a REPS-style scheme for 2003 would be the optimum approach.