Madam, - We in Keep Ireland Open cannot agree with Michael Viney's assertion that prospects for walkers' access to the countryside are looking brighter for the coming year (Weekend Supplement, December 30th).
Minister Ó Cuív is negotiating with the IFA over a minimal network of "walkways", but the IFA does not seem to have moved much, if at all, from its original outrageous demands. These would cost the taxpayer far too much for even a skeletal network and a sum so astronomical for the type of comprehensive network that our neighbours enjoy that we could never aspire to it.
In addition, the possibility of freedom to roam - that is, the right to wander at will over rough grazing land - has not even been broached. For most hill-walkers this is equally important, if not more so, than rights of way. Given the IFA's insatiable demands, their "not a square inch" stance and their total disregard for their own communities' desire to get into agri-tourism, we need not expect a favourable resolution to this either.
The issue of access to the countryside will not be solved until the Minister faces down the IFA, ceases trying to appease their members with grants, and instead introduces the type of legislation that other European countries have had for decades.
Until then, we are simply indulging in wishful thinking. - Yours, etc,
ROGER GARLAND, Chairman, Keep Ireland Open, Butterfield Drive, Dublin 14.