Sir, – Sligo County Council is being criticised by many for defending the court case taken by the owners of Lissadell regarding public rights of way, because of the massive costs involved.
It did this only after the owners had refused mediation and negotiation. In those circumstances, should the council merely have rolled over to the demands of a wealthy, powerful couple? Surely then, many would have criticised it for lack of regulation – which has been the accusation levelled at many institutions in this country.
We cannot have it both ways.
I would hold that this case highlights lack of legal clarity on this issue, and that it has made obvious the urgent need for further legislation before public rights of way throughout Ireland disappear. – Yours, etc,
FIONA QUINN,
Ballinful, Co Sligo.