Madam, – Manchan Magan certainly hit the nail on the head (“Why can the French do it so well?” Go, September 18th). His description of the poor walking facilities in his native Westmeath compared to those of Normandy can be confirmed by anyone who has walked practically anywhere in Europe. In Ireland, every tiny advance in the present completely inadequate facilities for walkers is hailed as another example of the generosity of Irish landowners. The truth is that we, the taxpayers, are paying for this under the cloak of trail maintenance.
To answer the question in the title of Mr Magan’s article: most probably the French government has shown some backbone in taking on their proverbially bolshy farming lobby, something that Irish governments have singularly failed to do with ours. France is not unique either – “right to roam” is the norm in Britain and much of Scandinavia. The common good, which in this instance could lead to increased tourism and to better health for our people, is not something to trouble our leaders. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Reading Manchán Magan’s article (Go, September 18th), and after having traversed the Castlerea to Dunamon section of the Suck Valley Way in west Roscommon recently, I would suggest that sometimes we can do it well.
This is a hidden Ireland walk that takes you down quiet country lanes, along well marked tracks, across beautiful boglands and through lush green fields. Farmers have co-operated with the walk organisers to allow access to their farms and even to keep the grass mowed along the designated route. The recently replaced colourful styles and numerous little wooden foot bridges are a testament to the continuous community spirit and effort that drives and maintains such ventures.
We were neither “shouted or shot at” and there were no “suspicious glances”, except maybe from the odd cow or bull.
Yes it was wet under foot at times and indeed part of the planned walk had to be abandoned because of continuous flooding problems near Athleague, but that is another story. This is a unique walk, remote, peaceful and friendly and I think it could serve as a model for the locations in Longford, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath that Mr Magan has in mind. Yours, etc,