Sir, - A week ago I visited the lovely territory of the Loughros headland in south-west Donegal. Because of the continuing scare over foot-and-mouth disease, I stopped at the end of the tarred road and did not traverse the three last fields along the green road which used to be invitingly open for everyone who wished to enjoy the superb views of Slieve Tooey across the bay and the great sweep of the Atlantic, with Aranmore on the horizon to the north. In happier days, several dozen tourists and locals would have gone out to the land's end; but on that day there were none.
Four notices barred the way to the third-last field. Two reminded all-comers of the prevailing disease and politely asked them not to enter; one pointed out rather aggressively that the ground beyond was farmland and stated (correctly) that the farmer would bear no responsibility for any accident; and the fourth simply said "KEEP OUT".
All this made me realise how lucky were were in the past. It was taken for granted that where a farmer controlled the access to a beauty spot or to historical ruin, no visitors would be regarded as trespassing if they walked across the fields and did no harm. Now, because of foot-and-mouth, and changing attitudes generally, the farmer is inclined to be less easy-going, and the visitor is inclined to be more timid. Indeed, even after foot-and-mouth has finally been eradicated in Britain, farmers in lovely places may put obstacles in the way of the visitor.
It seems to me that what is required is an enforceable code of practice under which farmers would be encouraged to throw access open to tourist attractions in return for compensation from the State both in monetary form and in the upkeep of any necessary access walkways. It would be part of this deal that no one could claim compensation from the farmer for any accident whatsoever. People must be trusted to behave sensibly and avoid unnecessary risks.
We already have legislation in place to cover historic buildings. This should be extended to tourist attractions, so that this country may once again be "Ireland of the Welcomes" and our farmers may be happier seeing tourists flocking through their land. - Yours, etc.,
William P. Barbour, Sligo Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.