Sir, – I read with interest "Tourism chiefs fear US Covid test rules could harm Irish industry's recovery" (News, April 4th), in which Paul Mockler of Fáilte Ireland mentions that Ireland is viewed favourably as a location for outdoor tourism activities such as hiking.
It might be more accurately regarded as such a location if access to the countryside wasn’t blocked, or restricted in so many places, unlike our nearest neighbours in the United Kingdom. Long term it would be very useful if Fáilte Ireland became a strong advocate for legislation which would guarantee access for walkers and other recreational users of the countryside all over Ireland. Such legislation would be a real winner for Irish tourism, as at present there is no right of access to the countryside whatsoever for anybody in Ireland. – Yours, etc,
VINCENT O’HAGAN,
Knocklyon,
Dublin 16.