Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I have no proposals for the introduction of fees for the use of walkways. I have made clear my view that a local community-based approach is the way forward where issues of access to the countryside arise. I established the consultation group on access to waymarked ways in April 2003 to consider the issues that had arisen in relation to access to some waymarked ways following the cessation of payment to landowners under the REPS.

In February 2004, I established a countryside council, Comhairle na Tuaithe, to address issues relating to waymarked ways and access. This decision followed consideration by the rural agri-tourism advisory group of a report presented by the consultation group on access to waymarked ways. The establishment of a countryside council was the key recommendation of the report.

Comhairle na Tuaithe has the following aims: to ensure that all those with an interest and concern in the sustainable development and proper management of the recreational amenities of the countryside are fully consulted on their future management; to develop and update, as necessary, a national countryside recreation strategy; to ensure that all means necessary are used to resolve conflicts that arise in relation to access issues and responsible enjoyment of the countryside; to raise awareness of the benefits to and responsibilities of recreational use of the countryside and to carry out research and training on related issues; to ensure that adequate funding is made available to allow the organisation to achieve these aims; and to examine the benefits and management of increased leisure use.

Comhairle na Tuaithe consists of representatives from the farming organisations, recreational users of the countryside and State bodies with an interest in the countryside. It has approached its work in the spirit of co-operation and through working groups which progress components of these aims.

The most recent meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe was held on 7 March 2005. Working group meetings are scheduled in the near future and the next meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe is planned for early May 2005. I look forward to receiving a report from Comhairle na Tuaithe following its consideration of the issues arising. I will carefully consider any proposals which Comhairle na Tuaithe may make to me.

However, as I have made clear on a number of occasions, it is only through working together as a community on this issue and reaching an amicable agreement which accommodates all sides that these issues can best be addressed. We can then strengthen the positive image of rural Ireland and, crucially, further develop rural tourism.

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