Madam, - Having grown up on a coastal farm in Co Waterford where access was never denied to those wishing to fish, walk the cliffs or pitch a tent, I found Mary Raftery's column of August 11th offensive, simplistic and plain anti-farmer.
We are fortunate to be living in a beautiful country, one that should be enjoyed by all who wish to do so. Equally, farmers have to ensure that their crops are allowed to grow, their cattle left undisturbed, machinery untouched, gates shut and other matters that may seem mundane to urban dwellers but are vital to a farm's viability.
There are many elderly people living alone in rural areas who are naturally reluctant to allow strangers on their property; sadly, there is sufficient evidence to raise their concerns. There is also the worry about walkers sustaining injury and the implications thereafter for the landowner.
Mutual respect is gained only by better understanding of the issues on all sides. Entrenchment and division lead only to negativity.
Perhaps Mr Raftery would like to revisit this issue and its many complexities and this time apply some objectivity. - Yours, etc,
MOIRA O'SULLIVAN,
Cappa,
Kilrush,
Co Clare.