Madam, – The final sentence of the Editorial “Welcome step” (June 10th), which discussed well-meaning attempts to open up mountain areas near Dublin to recreational users, caught our attention. It read: “Farmers should consider the needs of the wider community.”
The farming organisations have made it abundantly clear over the years that they are as likely to do this as Attila the Hun is of turning up at a victim support meeting. They are determined to concede not a square inch on access to the countryside unless their outrageous financial demands are met. Not only do they not consider the wider community but they do not even consider the desire of their own rural community to diversify into agri-tourism.
We have long given up the hope that the Government will take on the farmers. However it could have gently reminded them of the billions they have got from European and increasingly from Irish taxpayers; of the need for suitable walking routes to promote health and safety; and the implications of walking tourism, where Ireland attracts less than a quarter of the revenue of its great rival, Scotland.
Until the Government gets tough we will continue to lag decades behind our neighbours, and all of us will suffer the consequences – including, ironically, farmers themselves. – Yours, etc,
ROGER GARLAND,
Chairman,
Keep Ireland Open,
Butterfield Drive,
Dublin 14.
Madam, – Your editorial of June 10th is misinformed and misleading. The IFA has never been asked to participate in the Dublin Mountains Partnership. Neither have we withdrawn from any walking or recreational schemes in the Wicklow or Dublin mountains.
The IFA has said on many occasions that farmers are prepared to play their part in developing walking facilities.
The recently launched walks scheme by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív is a clear indication of farmers’ willingness to be part of a network of walks throughout the country. The walks must be approved to the Waymarked Ways standard. A walkways manager has been appointed under this scheme in Wicklow and we look forward to working with him.
The IFA, along with Leader, Coillte, Wicklow County Council and a number of other bodies including the Wicklow Uplands Council, is a full partner in the Wicklow Outdoor Recreational Strategy. The objective is to develop a strategy for outdoor recreation in the county through partnership.
Lest there be any ambiguity, I would like to remind your readers that farmland is private property and public access must always be subject to the consent and goodwill of the farmer. – Yours, etc,
DECLAN O’NEILL,
Wicklow IFA
County Chairman,
Ballydowling,
Rathdrum,
Co Wicklow.