Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 4

Written Answers. - Access to Waymarked Ways.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

136 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date by the rural-agri-tourism advisory group in its consideration of the problem of access to walkways, especially in view of the importance of this sector to agri-tourism; when the promised discussion document will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17744/03]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I addressed the inaugural meeting of the group and in relation to the issue of access to walkways, I made clear my view that a local community-based approach was the way forward. In relation to the issue of access, it was agreed that officials from my Department would consult interested parties and draw up a discussion document on this issue for the next meeting.

To this end, I established a consultation group to consider the issue of access to waymarked ways and this group has met on a number of occasions. The main areas of discussion have been in relation to structures, finance and insurance liability. The outcome of these initial consultations was considered by the rural-agri-tourism advisory group at its second meeting on 5 June. When the group's consideration of this matter is completed, a copy of the final document, arising from its deliberations, will be sent to me. I will then consider what actions should be taken based on this report.

The process to date has been useful in bringing all interested parties together and I believe that there is a desire to achieve a community-based solution on all sides.

Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 131.