The Labour Party has called on farming groups to help resolve the issue of access to the countryside for recreational walkers.
Ruarí Quinn, the party's spokesperson on education and science, has called on the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association and the IFA to re-examine Labour Party proposals that would only allow for land over 500ft to be designated as "access land".
The proposal, part of a Labour Party draft bill published earlier this year, would allow landowners to object to decisions on designation that would require a decision of a local authority.
In a statement today, Mr Quinn accused the Government of failing to provide a clear legal basis by way of legislation to provide a system for access, as recommended by the late Justice Seán Ó Laoire.
While acknowledging the legitimate concerns of landowners about insurance liability Mr Quinn said that a failure to provide leadership on the matter would result in 'additional damage being done to Ireland's rural economy".
Mr Quinn said farming groups should recognise the susbstantial amount of revenue provided directly and indirectly by the taxpayer into the agricultural economy and population.