Madam, - As the hill-walking debate has resurfaced in your Letters page for the umpteenth time, may I restate some genuine problems that David Herman chooses to ignore in favour of blaming the "myopic greed of the farmers".
Firstly, agriculture claims more lives each year than any other work except construction. Farms are dangerous places and it is not sensible to open them to the public.
Secondly, any provision for hillwalkers, such as a right to roam, will inevitably be exploited by criminals. Potential thieves and rustlers will have a licence to scout farmlands and identify easy pickings. The Padraig Nally case tragically brought attention to the insecurity of many farmers, especially those living alone in isolated areas.
Thirdly, hill-walking would particularly affect hill-farmers. These are the most disadvantaged farmers in the country, incapable of paying for insurance.
Finally, it is only a few months since Minister for the Environment John Gormley was lamenting the under-use of our national parks.
If hill-farmers are to be persuaded (not compelled) to accept walkers, then the hill-walkers will have to find a better way of interacting with than continually banging on about this topic in your Letters page. - Yours, etc,
PAUL TIGHE,
Townsend Street,
Dublin 2.
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Madam, - As a walker and city-dweller, I can understand the sentiment of Grace Griffin (October 6th). The problem lies in the fact that there is a dire shortage of public footpaths and right of ways in our scenic areas. It is often difficult to get access to hills, mountains and coastal areas, due to private ownership of land, and in many cases golf clubs.
As we have some of the best European scenery, I would much prefer to holiday in Ireland than abroad, but it is so frustrating trying to negotiate access to this lovely beach nearby or that inviting mountain, never mind finding there is no way to walk along our rivers or around our lakes.
Whilst holidaying recently in Carrigart, we found we had to drive a few miles to walk along Tramore Strand, one of Donegal finest beaches. It was only a few hundred yards from our accommodation, but there was access only from the Downings end.
It seems that at long last, there is a trickle of national nature trails being developed, but it should be in the interest of each local council to provide well signposted public footpaths.
Walking is the best way to see our glorious scenery. This message still does not seem to be understood by the tourist trade. - Yours,
JOHN BLYTHMAN,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 11.