Sir, – I note that Taoiseach Simon Harris is setting up a taskforce with the aim of getting the Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk reopened (News, October 30th).
While it is to be hoped that such a taskforce will lead to the reopening of the iconic path, he needs his task force to examine why so many paths and access points have been closed in this country.
Examples abound all over the place: the Old Coach Road near Enniskerry; access to Fenit Island, Co Kerry; Uggool Beach, Co Mayo; the North Beach in Arklow; Castlegoland Beach near Portnoo, Co Donegal, and many more. The conclusion of such a taskforce ought to be the need for legislation to protect and extend access to the countryside for walkers.
I understand that the local group seeking the reopening of the path had a meeting with Wicklow County Council officials the other day and that doubts were cast as to whether the Bray-Greystones path was a right of way. Given that almost all access for walkers to the countryside in Ireland is permissive, ie that access can be easily withdrawn, it is understandable that that issue was raised.
However, a former Wicklow councillor informed me that the Bray-Greystones walk was listed as a right of way in a previous county development plan. Maybe Wicklow County Council could clarify that point.
It’s unfortunate the coffee shop owner in Greystones has lost significant business due to the closure of the path. That points to another important aspect of having good access for walkers. The local economy also benefits.
In conclusion, I do hope that the Taoiseach’s taskforce is not just a way to get locals off his back until the general election is over.
No doubt Mr Harris genuinely wants the path reopened but is he prepared to tackle the wider issue of access being denied or blocked in many places across the country? – Yours, etc,
ROBERT DOWDS,
Chairperson,
Keep Ireland Open,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.