Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives of Comhairle na Tuaithe for their presentation. I am involved in a walkway in my own area that uses an abandoned railway line. It is up and running. There were many objections to it and serious problems from some landowners regarding insurance and fear of the spread of disease. Even today, I had an e-mail from the north Kerry-west Limerick walking group, which has a fantastic set-up and is organising a walk on Saturday next. They, too, had their difficulties. If the route I referred to could be spread throughout north Kerry it would be a fantastic amenity.

It is difficult to win over landholders. This is partly due to genuine concerns about the spread of disease on agricultural land. While one can overcome that, liability for accidents and so forth remains a difficulty. That fear is magnified but it can be overcome.

Ms Moylette said Comhairle na Tuaithe has a list of priority actions to progress under the national countryside recreation strategy, NCRS. Could she outline those actions? Many Departments are involved in this area. It would make matters easier if all could be brought under one umbrella. A single entity could negotiate with landowners and communities. In using abandoned railway lines, for example, difficulties arise with the use of old railway stations. People who are now living in these stations may have concerns about people passing their windows and so forth. This creates its own problems and needs to be looked at.

My party and I support the use of land for recreation in a controlled way that protects the land owner. It can provide a facility which, if marketed properly, could have huge benefits to communities.