Farming bodies block open access to land

Opposition to a report recommending that recreational access be allowed to
farm land is not coming from land owners but from farming leaders, an
organisation campaigning for land access said yesterday.
"The vast majority of farmers have no problem [with people walking on their
land] and this opposition seems to be led by farmer's leaders," Jackie Rumley,
president of Keep Ireland Open, said. "Most farmers assist walkers and the
term 'Ireland of the welcomes' came from the friendly attitudes of rural people
to visitors."
These comments came following the publication of a report by a legal expert
group established by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
Éamon Ó Cuív. The report said the State "may delimit by law the exercise of
private property rights with a view to reconciling their exercise with the
exigencies of the common good".
It also said "minor interference" to allow people to enjoy land may be imposed
for the benefit of the people of Ireland.
Farmers groups have criticised the report, with the Irish Farmers' Association
saying the recommendations fail to recognise property rights enshrined in the
Constitution.ഊThe Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association has warned that if the
Government attempts to force farmers to give up property rights, it will lead to
a constitutional challenge. Fáilte Ireland said up to 300,000 people who
arrived in Ireland in 2005 on holiday went walking or hiking. These tourists
generated revenue of €200 million.

Steven Carroll
© 2007 The Irish Times