Comhairle na Tuaithe's strategy for the development of hill walking and countryside recreation facilities is unlikely to succeed because of opposition by the Irish Farmers Association. Even as the Minister for Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, talks about getting Cabinet approval, the IFA is threatening to close major hill walking routes in counties Cork and Kerry. It is a recipe for further confrontation and, with an election in sight, for political procrastination.
Two-and-a-half years ago, the Minister established Comhairle na Tuaithe to come up with a plan to develop access to the countryside at a time when confrontation between a small number of farmers and visiting hill walkers was on the increase. Twenty organisations from tourism, landowning and recreational interests were appointed. While Mr Ó Cuív opposed a national scheme of compensation, he was prepared to consider payment for the development and maintenance of walkways under the Rural Social Scheme. The IFA demanded a flat payment of €1,000 a year for affected farmers, topped up by €5 a metre for walks through their land. It opposes the use of a means-tested Rural Social Scheme because it would exclude many farmers. Two other farming organisations, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) and the Irish Cattle and Sheep Owners Association (ICSA) have agreed in principle to the plan, subject to suitable compensation being paid. The price of a site, or a bungalow, has been mentioned by the ICSA. In addition, all insist that farmers should have a right to withdraw permission to cross their land at any time.
Private property rights are important and they should be protected by the State but the public good must take precedence when those interests come into conflict. The health and development of rural communities will depend increasingly on tourism and leisure pursuits, as agriculture declines. All sections of rural communities should be able to benefit from living in scenic areas. Instead, walking tourism has been in sharp decline because a number of aggrieved and aggressive farmers have blocked access to established routes.
Other European countries allow for a right to roam in mountainous areas, while protecting the privacy of farm families and their agricultural activities. In lowland areas, where foot traffic can be more intense, greater safeguards are provided. There is a need to regulate access to the countryside here, setting out the rights and responsibilities of all concerned. Comhairle has not resolved that issue. It is up to the Government and the Oireachtas to strike a new legal balance.