Sir, - Recent discussion about the current state of tourism in Ireland has highlighted the issue of access to our countryside, or rather the apparent diminution of the free access that we once enjoyed. Irish residents are affected by this problem more than visitors and it is ironic that a public debate has arisen only when a negative economic impact is perceived for the tourist industry. For several years now, Keep Ireland Open has been campaigning to preserve access to our countryside, whether it be mountain, lake or beach. We are happy to report some positive developments in recent times.
At the heart of this issue is the need for co-operation and understanding between landowners and recreational users of the countryside. For the past two years the Wicklow Uplands Council has been working to this end in the Wicklow Mountains, which endure probably the greatest visitor pressure in the country. All of the players in Wicklow are members of the Uplands Council, including farmers, landowners, community groups and recreational interests. KIO is deeply involved in this organisation and a great spirit has developed with a determination to resolve our problems in a mutually agreeable way.
The Wicklow Uplands Council is filling a vacuum by providing a voice for all of the non-governmental interests in Wicklow and we are attempting to establish a partnership with the relevant State bodies: Duchas, Coillte and Wicklow County Council. A number of initiatives are being undertaken to deal with potential access problems and the concern of sheep farmers about the control of dogs and visitor behaviour when crossing private lands. Although it is early days yet, it is hoped that the fruits of our labour will be successful in managing access to this particular part of the countryside in a way that meets the needs of all. It is hoped that the national organisation, the Irish Uplands Forum, can sponsor the establishment of similar local groups throughout the rest of the country, especially in Galway and Mayo where there is a crying need for some action to resolve the increasing polarisation between landowners and the public.
On another front, there are further positive developments taking place in relation to access in the East. Finally, after 30 years, some of the local authorities are beginning to exercise their powers (and responsibilities) to protect and promote public rights of way and access routes to amenity areas. Fingal County Council has designated 20 kilometres of rights of way in Howth as part of the Special Amenity Area Order. The draft development plan for CoWicklow contains extensive lists of rights of way and "access routes to amenity areas" which are proposed for preservation. Similar commitments are contained in the development plans for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin.
The goodwill of the landowner is vital to the preservation of the friendly atmosphere that traditionally prevails in our countryside and county councils are ideally placed to act as brokers between the conflicting interests of the landowners and the public. It is heartening to see some of them taking the initiative in this regard. Would that more would follow their example, particularly in the west, where, as your readers are probably aware, Keep Ireland Open has been involved in protracted battles with a disinterested Mayo County Council and a few bloody-minded landowners who are unreceptive to reasoning. So, take heart Joss Lynam (September 7th); there is light at the end of the tunnel. - Yours, etc., Seamus Mac Gearailt,
Chairman,
Keep Ireland Open,
Pottery Road,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.