Right of Way Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Questions (292)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

292. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if members of the public have the right to walk the banks of a river (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2402/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The Office of Public Works (OPW) does not own the banks of the river referred to at this location, and as such is not in a position to grant access on to private property. OPW's powers of access under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 relate to entry for maintenance purposes. This does not confer a right of way for the public in general, which would be a matter for agreement with individual landowners.