Vol. 563 No. 5
124 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on recent meetings between his office and the Irish Farmers Association on the question of open access to the countryside. [8200/03]
In my reply to Question No. 120 from the Deputy on 12 February, I referred to the creation of a group to advise my Department on rural tourism issues, including the issue of access to walkways. The inaugural meeting of this group was held on 28 February. Membership of the group includes the farming organisations, including the Irish Farmers Association, rural organisations, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Irish Sports Council and tourism promotion groups.
I addressed the inaugural meeting of the group, and in relation to the issue of access to walkways, I made clear that in my view that a local community based approach was the way forward. Following the inaugural meeting, officials from my Department are to meet interested parties and draw up a discussion document on the issue. I met the Irish Farmers Association on 6 March. The issue of open access to the countryside was mentioned in passing but not discussed at this meeting. I have in the past made clear my position that the concept of open access to the countryside is fundamental, subject to the constitutional provisions on private property. I have also made clear my view that any proposal for Exchequer payment for access would not be acceptable.
