Sir, - I refer to a letter from David Herman of Keep Ireland Open (June 11th). Regrettably, KIO continues its campaign against the farming community, choosing to selectively highlight a small number of incidents where differences have arisen and farmers felt it necessary to restrict access to their property. KIO chooses to ignore the good relationships that exist between thousands of farmers throughout the country and walkers who enjoy the countryside.
Mr Herman is remarkably selective in his references to correspondence with the IFA. He failed to explain that KIO had demanded that the IFA judge the actions of individual farmers in respect of a specific high-profile incident. This is not the IFA's role. The IFA's position is clear in that the lands involved are private property without any rights of way or access. KIO should appreciate and respect this fact.
It is also unreasonable that walking guides are published which include walks over private property where there has been no attempt to inform or obtain the permission of the landowners affected. KIO actively promotes and defends these guides.
Farmers deeply appreciate the enormous support of the entire community during the foot-and-mouth threat. It is disingenuous for KIO to attempt to use the crisis to further its argument for open and unrestricted access to private and working farms. - Yours, etc.,
Jim Devlin, Executive Secretary, IFA National Environmental Committee, Bluebell, Dublin 12.