Mr. Des Moore:

I can give an update on the Great Southern Trail, which already is in excess of 40 km from Rathkeale down to Abbeyfeale. It is the intention to progress it across the Kerry border into north Kerry. Our aspiration in supporting the funding of the development of that trail is that it would eventually link to Tralee. We have already provided some funding support to Kerry County Council in relation to the development of the Tralee Spa-Finit line as well, which is already being progressed. I am aware that there are some concerns among landowners on the Kerry side in particular, however, my understanding is that while the line is not in use it is not abandoned. It is still in the ownership of CIE. There are significant issues around encroachment on both abandoned and disused railway lines which are impacting on the ability to develop those routes in a timely manner. They are being addressed on an ongoing basis. We work closely with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and we have contact with CIE on occasion on resolving issues that can arise on those routes.

Disease has not been raised with us as an issue, although obviously in the context of an outbreak of foot and mouth or other disease the Department would normally be responsible for introducing restrictions on access routes and trails that are managed by it with the support of local development companies or rural recreation officers. We would close them as well because they are permissive access routes, other than the railway lines which are in State ownership. Where there is permissive access, if a landowner has a legitimate reason to seek to close a trail, we would deal with that.

The issue of dogs was raised as well on uplands areas. Our colleagues recently issued a press release on the management of dogs. The Department, on behalf of Comhairle na Tuaithe, also intends to issue a number of press releases outlining the dangers associated with dogs in the countryside. In particular on mountain access projects and permissive access routes it is landowners who determine the criteria for access to the trail. Anywhere landowners do not wish dogs to be allowed on trails, signage is put on the trails to say “No Dogs Allowed”. There are stronger versions of the sign in certain areas of the country. The education of the public is an issue in terms of paying attention to what is required. The provision of dog-friendly trails is also an issue. There is a big demand from pet owners in this country and from those in the UK as well.

Coillte is a good partner of ours. The vast majority of Coillte trails are accessible to dog owners without any restriction, because interaction with livestock does not arise. We are conscious of the need to develop dog-friendly trails but, in general, they will be on State lands rather than private lands in the future.