Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 501: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether the compensation package offered to the farmers in the Keem and Dooagh walkways area is not sufficient and that this needs to be reviewed and a satisfactory package offered to the farmers whose lands are being used in these areas and in all of County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12354/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of any compensation package offered to the farmers in the Keem and Dooagh walkways area in Co Mayo.

The Deputy should note, however, that there have been meetings with the farming organisations to discuss ways of moving forward with the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy developed by Comhairle na Tuaithe. The Strategy defines the scope and vision for countryside recreation and sets out the broad principles under which sustainable countryside recreation can be managed into the future.

What the IFA has sought is a payment for the maintenance of specific walks throughout the country and I am fully in agreement that there should be no cost burden on farmers from the maintenance of permissive ways open to the public at no charge.

I have time and again made clear my view that a local community-based approach is the best way forward where issues of access to the countryside arise. Where it is not possible to reach agreement, in a particular location, alternative routes should be explored and developed so that landowners' rights over access to their lands are not interfered with. I have met with the President of the IFA to progress the issue, most recently in early March.