Sir, – It was good to see that Frank McNally greatly enjoyed his stay in the old lighthouse at Wicklow Head (“Wicklow Head lighthouse provides a room with a view, 109 steps from bottom to top”, August 8th).
Unfortunately, access for most walkers to Wicklow Head has been blocked for some considerable time as a locked gate on the track prevents access except for the privileged few who are staying in the lighthouse or have homes there.
Access used to be there for one and all and was much enjoyed by many, especially locals from Wicklow town.
Last September Keep Ireland Open, along with some Wicklow residents, organised a protest at the site calling for access to be fully restored to Wicklow Head. We were joined by one local TD, Jennifer Whitmore of the Social Democrats. To date we have not achieved our aim.
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The blocking of access to Wicklow Head is a good example as to why Keep Ireland Open exists, namely to have legislation enacted which would guarantee and extend access to the countryside for walkers and other recreational users.
As a public, we need to look out across the Irish Sea to Wales to see what a fine job that small country has done in guaranteeing access to the countryside while, at the same time, protecting the interests of farmers and other property owners. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT DOWDS,
Chairperson,
Keep Ireland Open,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.
