Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on the Bill. I welcome the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin. It is welcome that there is a senior Minister in the Chamber to listen to and participate in the debate. It is important that Cabinet Ministers attend these Friday sessions.

I welcome and support the Bill and commend and thank Deputy Robert Dowds for bringing it forward. It is important for the citizens of the State and provides us with an opportunity to have a debate on wider countryside and environmental issues. It is steeped in ideas of community, the environment and the countryside and about active citizenship. Walking is an important recreational activity, particularly in a modern society experiencing economic and other stresses. The Bill is a reminder that the island belongs to all of us and that we all have an obligation to protect and guard our beautiful countryside, something we do not acknowledge often enough. We may not have the great climate of Spain, France or Cuba, but we have a beautiful countryside and fair access to something that is to be treasured and respected. "Respect" is an important word in the context of the debate. Lack of respect causes damage to our environment, walkways, farmers' land and the countryside. We must all become guardians of the countryside. I pay tribute to residents groups, farmers, voluntary groups, walking groups and clean-up groups that make a massive contribution to the protection of the countryside and the environment. We all know people who are involved in these groups on our own estates, in our cities, rural areas and constituencies. Every time we pick up a piece of litter, close a gate or prevent vandalism, it is an act of good citizenship. It is also a huge contribution to tourism on the island and increasing the potential to create more jobs in the sector.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide for an orderly method of legal access by the public to recreational lands held in various forms of private ownership. The Bill would ensure private owners whose land was declared to be "access land" would be fully indemnified from any legal action a member of the public might seek to bring arising from an accident occurring on the land. The Bill further seeks to provide legal clarity between the rights of landowners and the general public on the use of land for recreational purposes. For these reasons, I disagree with Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív on some of his comments. It is important to have cross-party support for the legislation.

Having looked at the bones of the Bill, we must also consider the broader debate and picture relating to access to the countryside and forests and the major threat to our forests from many quarters. We must be cautious in looking at the detail of what is happening in Ireland. Ireland's publicly owned forests are among our most precious natural resources and a priceless part of our cultural heritage. Many are alarmed that since Coillte was created, it has sold over 40,000 acres of forest land. It sold €33 million, €38 million and €37 million worth of forests in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The national forest represents 11% of the landmass, or 745,000 ha or 1.6 million acres. Coillte owns and runs 7% of that total and, as such, is responsible for maintaining 11 forest parks, 150 recreational sites and 23,000 km of road. I emphasise that the forest parks and recreational sites are important natural resources. According to the Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association, the forestry sector had an annual output of €2.2 billion in 2010. That represented 1.3% of GDP. Forest products to a value of €286 million were exported from the State.

The sector employs some 12,000 people across the State. It is significant employment at a time when the country is crying out for jobs. There is potential to create five times that number of jobs and increase the total to 60,000 jobs. This is linked to the debate and the legislation.

Over 18 million individual visits were made to national forest estates each year. According to the Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association, IFFPA, total economic activity generated by domestic users is estimated at €286 million while overseas visitors generate a further €138 million. These are amazing figures and any Government with commonsense should see the potential. In 2008, 517,000 tourists participated in forest walking while holidaying in Ireland, spending an estimated €364 million in the real economy. We could use these figures and link them to the legislation. For every 15,000 ha planted, some 490 jobs are created. This indicates enormous potential for employment creation. Many people are worried and it is important to highlight it in the debate.

I compliment Deputy Robert Dowds and I take on board the points about damaged gates and people blocking entrances to farms when parking. It is unacceptable and we must deal with it. I also take on board the fact that 89% of farmers have no objection but we must watch those who have objections. Access is also important. Nature and the countryside has major potential for job creation. The legislation is good for the countryside, good for people, good for jobs and good for the future of the country. I will support it.

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