asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the forestry division of his Department have recently erected and locked gates on the Derryloughan, Doochary, County Donegal forestry centre, thereby cutting off and closing to the public an ancient right of way; and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to have these gateways unlocked and thereby restore to the general public the right of way to which they are entitled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Right of Way.
The information available to my Department is to the effect that this passage, which stops short at the river bank and originally served a ferry which ceased to ply about 15 years ago, is used by pedestrians only. A stile was erected at the entrance when the area was being fenced, and the passage of pedestrians has never been hindered.
I have had exhaustive inquiries made in the matter, and I am not satisfied that there is a well-founded local demand that the passage be kept available for vehicular traffic. I am arranging, however, in the interests of maintaining local good-will, that the gates serving the passage will be unlocked on the understanding that those people who might want to use the passage will keep the gates closed.
Would the Minister consider, in a case of that kind where it is desirable to prevent trespass of cattle and live stock, using one of these gratings in the ground which effectively prevent the trespass of live stock?
I will consider it.