Sir, - I would like to comment on Joss Lynam's letter (September 7th) in which he draws attention to the increasing problems of access for hill-walkers and others wishing to enjoy our countryside.
Mr Lynam draws attention to the irresponsible behaviour of some walkers. However, these are only a small minority, and the people who damage landowners' property are the same people who ignore "Keep Out" notices. Those who obey them do not cause damage, and this group must include nearly all foreign tourists. These tourists are even more likely than the rest of us to heed notices, even when they are not intended for them. Such visitors can easily find more welcoming holiday destinations.
As a walker and member of "Keep Ireland Open" I am saddened and alarmed to see unwelcoming notices appearing even in remote areas of the country, where there are few walkers. There is no possible justification for these. I tackled one farmer recently on the reason for his notice which bars one of the most spectacular hill walks in the West. "Sure, if I got a few pounds in my back pocket I might change my mind," was his revealing reply. I am not suggesting that this attitude is common to all landowners. In Wicklow, where landowners are faced with large numbers of walkers (and sadly, yobbos) the situation seems to be much better.
County councils have so far shown a supine attitude to access problems. It's about time they took a more active approach. They could, for instance, create rights of way (with reasonable compensation to landowners) and appoint access officers to sort out local problems.
Certainly, until some arm of the Government takes the initiative, the prospect is of increasing clashes between walkers and landowners, and self-inflicted blows to tourism. Not a prospect that is in anyone's interest.-Yours, etc., David Herman,
Meadow Grove, Dublin 16.