Walkers need law to protect and guarantee countryside access

Sir, – Cian O’Connell’s article (“Greenways of Ireland: Why some routes succeed and others fail”, March 30th) outlines both the social and economic benefits of Ireland’s greenways. He is correct on both fronts. However, as the photo of cyclists in his article demonstrates, greenways are a much better amenity for cyclists than for walkers. Walkers really require paths where they are not constantly worrying about whether they are going to be knocked down unintentionally by cyclists.

To provide more adequately for walkers, we need to get back to the situation which pertained as recently as the 1940s and 1950s, where footpaths existed all over the country.

To bring about such a situation, we need legislation enacted which would protect and guarantee access to the countryside for walkers. Such legislation could enable walkers to more adequately enjoy the countryside as well as benefiting the rural economy. – Yours, etc,

ROBERT DOWDS,