Sir, - I agree completely with Jim Devlin of the IFA in his response (June 26th) to David Herman of Keep Ireland Open (June 11th). It would also have been helpful if Mr Herman had mentioned that the Mountaineering Council of Ireland decided to disaffiliate from KIO at its a.g.m. on January 28th last.
MCI policy is clearly one of non-confrontation, and of compromise with farmers. As the MCI represents the vast majority of hill walkers, exactly who does Mr Herman represent on this subject?
When preparing my five walking guidebooks, I was careful to check access with the local community. I was treated with courtesy and offered advice about the easiest way on to the hills. One farmer denied access because another guidebook publicises a route through his farm, without a permission he would have freely given. Certainly problems have arisen, but these are usually solved by dialogue. Hill walkers banned themselves from the hills during the foot-and-mouth crisis in solidarity with farmers. We seek to pursue our sport with courtesy and compromise. We bring a major tourism benefit to the country, but recognise the needs and wishes of all those who live here. The farming organisations and the Mountaineering Council can resolve access problems in partnership. We do not need small, unrepresentative groups like Mr Herman's to speak for us. - Yours, etc.,
Barry Keane, Author, New Irish Walks and Scrambles Series, Boreenmanna Road Cork.