A chara, - Normally, organisations are taken to task for not doing the things they are supposed to do. Fáilte Ireland is criticised by the Irish Cattle and Sheepfarmers Association (The Irish Times, April 12th) because it is doing their job in highlighting the dramatic decline in walking tourism and our access to the countryside problems.
I'll be in Wales shortly with friends where, like all ramblers, we'll have a legal right to walk on one quarter of the land of that country, only some 60 miles from Dublin. Unlike in Ireland, we can enjoy routes on land that is clearly signposted. Maps will show paths and access. We'll follow the exemplary countryside codes which also apply to landowners: for example, their legal obligations are set out to keep rights of way unblocked, not to put up misleading signs, and to be aware of potential hazards for walkers. The law will give us clarity of access and we don't expect to be turned back, intimidated or abused by landowners.
Meanwhile, Fáilte Ireland, keep up the good work and live up to your name. Please don't leave it all to individual walkers like me to fight the good fight to restore the tradition of "Cead Mile Failte" and "Ireland of the Welcomes" for all of us to enjoy. - Is mise,
SEAN O'CUINN, Gleann na Smol, An Charraig Dhubh, Co Átha Cliath.