Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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648. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to reform landowner legislation to enable more bridleways and equestrian trails across the countryside; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11286/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Statutory provisions concerning the registration of easements are contained in the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, as amended by the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011. Part 8 (Chapter 1) of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 updated the law concerning the acquisition of easements, including rights of way, based on recommendations of the Law Reform Commission. My Department has no plans at present to introduce or amend legislation in this area. However, the operation of existing legislation is kept under review in my Department.

The Department of Rural and Community Development is currently leading on the development of a new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. Work has commenced on this Strategy, through Comhairle na Tuaithe (the Countryside Council), and it is expected to be completed in the second half of this year. This Strategy will provide a vision and overarching framework for the sustainable development of outdoor recreation in Ireland over the coming years. I look forward to working with my colleague Minister Humphreys with regard to the development and implementation of the strategy.