Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
464. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether the details of the public liability policy for the two existing mountain access project areas mentioned in her reply to a Parliamentary Question on 20 June 2023 have been communicated to all the farmers in the mountains in question by her Department; if not, whether she plans to take steps to expedite same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31832/23]
View answerEmbracing Ireland's Outdoors has committed to enhancing access to outdoor recreation amenities including expanding the Mountain Access Project to other uplands areas. My Department has, for some time, been examining how best to introduce a scheme to indemnify private land owners in upland areas who allow access to their lands for recreational purposes. This is a complex issue and my Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as has been proposed would require legislative provision and that a number of separate pieces of legislation might need to be amended.
In 2021 in order to find an interim solution to address concerns raised by the Mountain Access Project representatives, my Department in consultation with Comhairle na Tuaithe and the Mountain Access Project representatives secured a public liability insurance policy on a pilot basis for the two Mountain Access Project areas, the MacGillycuddy Reeks in Kerry and Binn Sléibhe in Galway.
I understand that a letter regarding the indemnification process issued from Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo to 94 landholders in the Binn Shléibhe Mountain Access Project area in 2022. The letter also invited the landholders to a meeting to discuss this. The meeting took place on the 8th September 2022 where further information on the insurance policy was provided. I understand that a follow up meeting was also held.
My Department has agreed to provide funding for an Engagement Officer to work with the local stakeholders. In addition, the Department has asked the Irish Farmers' Association and the Galway Rural Recreation Officer to assist at a local level.
My Department has also provided an information note and a copy of the insurance policy to both Mountain Access Project representatives.
