Rights and wrongs at Lissadell

A chara, – While Jacqueline O’Toole (November 14th) may despair that she now cannot walk her dog freely on the Lissadell estate, I think it time to present some facts on this case.

First, the restrictions that are now in place provide a minor barrier to walkers – several miles of stunning coast and beach are there, free for all (Ms O’Toole’s dog included) to use.

Second, amid all this talk of public rights of way, attention to the work that the Walsh-Cassidy family have done at Lissadell has been lost. I grew up in this area and watched the outbuildings, grounds and even the house itself, falling into dilapidation and ruin under the absent eyes of the remaining Gore-Booth relatives. Soon after the Walsh family purchased the estate, restoration began on the grounds and gardens (including the walled garden and alpine garden); the tumbledown coach house was also restored to include a café and art gallery – all this providing employment and enhancing the tourism value of the area.

While I am uneasy in general about speaking for such privatisation of access, especially in light of the current issue of fencing on hilltops, in this case, certain members of the north Sligo community have shot themselves in the foot and cost the taxpayer a great deal in the process.

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Instead of, as many reasonable people in the locale did, considering the luck that brought owners to the house who retained its character with due consideration for the environment (they might have, for example, established a golf resort), they have embarked upon a Quixotic (and costly) quest to prove their right to walk their dogs on a half-mile stretch of avenue, when the public spaces of north Sligo are among the most accessible and pristine in Ireland. In doing so, they have harmed the local community and the local tourism industry.

I support the fight for public rights of way in Ireland fully, but would ask that, in future, we might choose our battles more carefully. – Is mise,

TRISH McTIGHE,

The Boulevard, Belfast.