Mr. Tomás Bourke:

To be clear, we have no problems with walkers and recreational users. The problem we have is with them bringing their dogs. I know to an extent the point the Senator is making, but the difficulty as touched on by Deputy Fitzmaurice is the mixed messaging around what is acceptable. That is why we talk about one clear and concise message. If someone is going walking on hills around open land, then he or she should not bring a dog. We cannot police it. There could be 500 dog wardens. Someone can police and watch dogs with the lead on at the gate and when they cross the stile, but who is going two miles up the hill to see where that dog has gone over the far side of the hill? It is impractical, so there is only one solution, which is consistency of messaging. This has to be fair to the dog owners and the walkers as well. If someone wants to bring a dog for a walk, then go in a controlled area where the dog can be kept on a leash and the land is not on, or in any contact with, farmland. If someone wants to walk the hills, then leave the dog at home.