Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

We have done a great deal of work in this regard, though I cannot say I have an answer to the Deputy's specific question. We have had discussions with the IFA, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association and the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association. I am going to the Sheep's Head Peninsula, Skibbereen, tomorrow and I intend to walk on the famous walkway there that seems to have caused more debate than any other walkway in Ireland. I will see then what the difficulties are because I am more familiar with the hills of Connemara than the hills of south Cork. It is fine to discuss such matters in an office but sometimes one gets a better perspective on the challenges people face by visiting the area.

My gut feeling is that the traditional way is best in this matter. People should be fairly free to roam the hills of the country and should not have to pay as long as no damage is done. This is the most desirable approach from the perspective of tourism. The Deputy is correct that there is a great deal of work involved and many opportunities for communities. Preliminary figures I have seen indicate that walking tourism is increasing and we are passing the figures that existed in the heyday before foot and mouth disease caused a slump.

The Deputy raised a question about bogs, and this is intriguing. There are special areas of conservation. Bogs that are small must be preserved and only used for education. It is important they are not walked on too much and that none of the flora and fauna we are trying to protect is damaged. Interestingly, cutaway bogs may have more potential than pristine bog; the top has been removed and there are many more things one could do with it. Many bogs are in the east midlands and I am not against go-karting there and other things people wish to do to enjoy themselves. We are talking about recreation, we are not saying everyone must become serious walkers for the good of their health. Many people wish to use the space.

I think this is a great step forward and I am glad the Deputy has welcomed it. We are lucky the State owns huge tracts of land with many possible uses and huge potential that has not been exploited. The reaction from Coillte and Bord na Móna has been most positive and they are engaging in the process, though it is at an early stage. We have started something that will be seen as very positive in two or three years and will give a huge added dimension to State lands.

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