Sir, - I wish to congratulate Frank McDonald on his excellent series on tourism. We are indeed in danger of spoiling the features which attract tourists to Ireland, and I would point out a problem which he did not mention.
When I started walking the Irish hills 50 years ago, walkers were few, and a welcome was assured almost everywhere from farmers who were happy to pass the time of day. It would never have occurred to me then - or even 20 years ago - that, provided I opened and shut gates as I crossed a pasture or two to get onto the open hillside, the farmer would object.
Now, even when I am not faced with intimidating notices about trespassers, I would not cross a pasture unless I was sure that there was no objection from the farmer. Why this change? It is partly because farming is a more intensive and commercial business than it used to be, but I think the change is due mainly to the huge increase in the number of walkers. No longer is the farmer, especially in Wicklow, dealing with a few walkers alone or in small groups. Now numbers are very much greater, and include many who are not members of the recognised walking clubs.
There is a minority - small but vocal - which resents complaints by farmers about broken fences, open gates, vandalism and dogs chasing stock. Also there are groups of 50 or more, and a farmer is naturally nervous of complaining to such a large group; he has heard of the verbal and even physical abuse meted out to other farmers in similar situations. Many farmers in Wicklow and other much-frequented areas know that Monday after a fine Sunday will have to be spent repairing fences and checking for mauled sheep. They react as best they can, by the notices which sadden experienced walkers and tempt some others to retaliation.
So, in spite of the 1995 Occupiers' Liability act which drastically reduced the responsibility of an occupier to "recreational users", access to the countryside is shrinking. Walkers will perforce concentrate on the smaller and smaller areas where access is still permitted and damage to these areas will get worse and worse.
Bord Failte's publicity unfortunately doesn't help. It promotes our beautiful countryside without pointing out that most of it is private property. Some walking tour organisers don't help either by assuming the right to cross private property when they are actually making money out of the use of someone's property without permission. Neither do the walkers who refuse to accept that occupiers can legally refuse access to their property.
I can't offer an easy solution. Charging for entry would be almost impossible to organise and would also substantially raise the duty of care of the occupier. In Denmark, I'm told there is a state fund to repair damage caused to private property by walkers, but I wonder whether it would work here. In England there is pressure for legislation for a "right to roam", but having seen a draft Bill, I think the necessary exceptions are so convoluted that access will become worse rather than better.
But there is hope. I know that there is considerable goodwill in the farming community; I know that most hill-walking club members are responsible people. I hope they can come together to provide responsible access. But if there is no agreement on responsible access, our wonderful countryside will become a no-go area both for foreign tourists and ourselves. - Yours, etc.,
Joss Lynam,
Ardilea Estate,
Dublin 14.