Madam, – We in Keep Ireland Open, the only national body working for improved access to the Irish countryside, heartily welcome the two new bridges that improve access to Carrauntoohil (John G O’Dwyer, Heritage & Habitat, Weekend Review, June 26th).
However, this initiative is only a drop in the ocean compared to what is required to bring us up to even minimal European standards. There has been, and will continue to be, only painfully slow progress in improving access and infrastructure (footbridges, signposts, waymarks, parking, etc) for walkers until a legal framework is in place. As it is (and this is in stark contrast to the rest of Europe), landowners, mostly farmers, have all the legal firepower and know how to use it.
Just look at the situation in the Wicklow Mountains, for instance. Except for Glendalough, there is a woeful lack of infrastructure. Access is well nigh impossible to several important and exceptionally scenic areas, simply because landowners have the final say. In consequence, the Government has had to purchase every square inch for the National Park. With appropriate legislation a much less costly option would have been to provide the necessary facilities while leaving the land in private hands.
Goodwill, mutual respect and consultation will take you so far, but not nearly far enough. Upland agriculture would be impossible without the grants we taxpayers provide. It is grossly unfair that those who pay the piper have no right to call the tune.
– Yours, etc,