The Keep Ireland Open (KIO) group says that a “total attitude change” is needed in order to ensure that there is not a pushback from landowners and farmers regarding coastal areas, the countryside and mountains. The group adds that these areas should remain accessible to the nation’s population. Secretary of the western branch of KIO, Michael Murphy says legislation is urgently needed to “copper-fasten the common law right of ordinary citizens to walk around their countryside”.
He was speaking at the groups’ annual general meeting in Dublin on Saturday. He says that the model already exists and that reference should be taken from the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (2003). He adds that while it is different in Britain, where there it is non-confrontational, landowners in Ireland tend to defend everything and have an attitude of conceding nothing.
Murphy additionally voiced his concern that individuals and small community groups were worn out battling landowners who close off beauty spots and pathways to the general public. He adds that the proposed legislation would not pose a threat to the ownership of land. In addition to that he says the availability of old pathways in Britain have done wonders to their local economy.
It’s understood that access will enhance the economic wellbeing of the regions and Murphy says that it would be a gain for everybody.
LSL News