Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately, establishing and vindicating public rights of way is very difficult and challenging in Ireland by comparison with our neighbouring country, for example. If you go walking in England, you will find rights of way everywhere. England has an incredibly good network that puts us to shame. When we see things done well in neighbouring countries, we always ask why we cannot do the same here. Walking recreationally on the extensive network of rights of way in England is an absolute pleasure. The quality is superb. If a local authority is able to do as I describe but the elected members of local communities are not able to advance things through that local authority, there is an accountability deficit. Clearly, this is an area that needs to be strengthened. We are not doing well enough on public rights of way. Local and planning authorities not having a function in this regard is not working very well. There needs to be a body like a local authority, accountable to local communities through local elected representatives, that can vindicate rights. The idea behind the amendment is very good. The Minister of State is saying that things are not done in the way it envisages. If, however, we accepted the amendment and changed the legislation here, they would be done in that way and it would be very good.