Sir, – The density of publicly accessible footpaths in Ireland is far inferior to that in England, Scotland or Wales. Sadly, although a denser network once existed here, many paths have subsequently fallen into disuse or been blocked by landowners. This situation has arisen, at least partially, from a missing level of local government in Ireland, namely the parish or community councils. In our neighbouring island and in many other EU countries, it is these locally elected bodies that, amongst their various functions, have a statutory duty to register and maintain footpaths. To cover their costs, they receive a small percentage of the district rates. Now that private property tax has been reintroduced here, would this not be a good time to set up a similar system in Ireland? – Yours, etc,
JOHN BUTLER,
Hollywood,
Co Wicklow.