Madam, - We are pleased that Joss Lynam of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (July 17th) accepts that a deal between farmers and walkers is no longer a foregone conclusion and that, if the voluntary route it has espoused doesn't succeed before the next election, legislation will be required.
This legislation would presumably compel landowners to allow reasonable access for recreational users, which has always been the policy of Keep Ireland Open.
As for Comhairle na Tuaithe: Keep Ireland Open is represented on this body and I can say, with certainty, that, coming up to its final meeting, there is virtually no possibility of an accommodation between recreational users, farmers and the Government.
We intend to make this an election issue and would remind politicians that their remit is to legislate for the common good and not pander to sectional interests. Let's hope the MCI will join us in this campaign. - Yours, etc,
ROGER GARLAND,
Keep Ireland Open,
Butterfield Drive,
Dublin 14.
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Madam, - Wicklow Uplands Council is a voluntary organisation that works for the sustainable use and enjoyment of the local landscape in partnership with those who live, work and recreate there. We support your call (Editorial, June 26th) for a legislative framework that balances farmers' rights with the interests of recreational users of the countryside and would add that the assent of landowners is essential to the success of any scheme. We also believe that legislators will not be tackling the issue soon. In the meantime, we are working with the support of Wicklow County IFA and others to develop a network of routes over private land based on consensus.
In return for permitted access, the project takes care of path construction and maintenance, fencing, signage, insurance etc. We are grateful that the farmers and other landowners whom we have approached are co-operating with us. A network of 20 routes is envisaged.
We are happy to share our experience with others who believe that a consensus-based approach points the way to the ultimate transformation of this complicated issue. - Yours, etc,
CARA DOYLE,
Project Officer,
Wicklow Uplands Council,
Rathdrum,
Co Wicklow.