Vol. 567 No. 5
90 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin 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. [14381/03]
95 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with representatives of farmers regarding the issue of payments under the REP scheme for farmers who allow people to use marked walks through their lands. [14373/03]
I propose to take Question Nos. 90 and 95 together.
The inaugural meeting of the rural-agri-tourism advisory 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 my view that a local community-based approach was the way forward. In relation to the issue of access it was agreed at the meeting that officials from my Department would consult with interested parties and draw up a discussion document on this issue for the next meeting. The next meeting of the advisory group will be held on 5 June.
As part of the consultation process an ad hoc group on the issue of access to waymarked ways was established with representatives from the following organisations: Bord Fáilte, Coillte, Cork Kerry Tourism, the Heritage Council, the ICMSA, the IFA, Keep Ireland Open, the Irish Sports Council, the Irish Uplands Forum, and the Mountaineering Council of Ireland.
