Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
490. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if following a recent Supreme Court judgment on a dispute regarding historic rights of way at a location (details supplied) in County Sligo; if he will bring forward legislation or a constitutional amendment to strengthen the protection of historic rights of way for the benefit of communities and the amenity lands concerned. [17857/14]
View answerAs regards improved access to land for heritage and countryside recreation purposes, the position is that primary responsibility for this policy area, and for related legislation, rests with the Minister and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. That Department's web site contains useful information concerning National Rural Development, including the National Countryside Recreation Strategy (www.environ.ie).
In so far as liability issues arising from recreational activities on land are concerned, I should say that the Occupiers' Liability Act 1995, for which my Department is responsible, simplifies and clarifies the law on occupiers' liability. It outlines the duties of care which an occupier of premises has towards different categories of entrant, i.e. visitors, recreational users and trespassers.
