Vol. 440 No. 6
104 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he intends to ensure that traditional rights of way are protected in view of the development of agri-tourism and the need to ensure public access to rural areas.
Rights of way, both public and private, in common with other similar rights, are protected by the general law in the shape of the common law and appropriate statutory provisions. They constitute property rights and my Department has no function in relation thereto. Infringements of such rights are the subject of redress in courts of appropriate jurisdiction and are a matter for the individuals or bodies affected.
I am of course concerned that rights of way are protected and that public access to rural areas is facilitated. Under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, REPS, there will be provision for extra payments on top of the basic premium for farmers who undertake additional environmentally friendly activities including allowing public access to their land for leisure activities. It is expected that this measure will assist farmers with agri-tourism projects in scenic areas. Detailed guidelines on REPS will be available shortly.
