APPENDIX 5: ‘ACTION’ BY THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN THE RECENT PAST: A FEW CASE STUDIES

The following cases have all arisen in the recent past and do not include cases that have been successfully resolved, though in no instance with the help of the local authority involved. It is noteworthy that all these problems have arisen on the western seaboard, the area that attracts comparatively few walkers. In contrast, there have been relatively few problems in Wicklow where one would expect most clashes.

-	Uggool, co Mayo. The area below the high water mark, and therefore in State ownership, was blocked off by a local landowner, thus barring access to a popular beach near Westport. Mayo county council did nothing effective about it for 5 years and then announced that since the illegality had existed for that time they could do nothing further. This case has been referred to the Ombudsman.
-	Durles and Skelp, co Mayo. The Western Way, an officially recognised path, and Tochar Phadraig, a long distance path, have been blocked by illegal fencing at these locations. Mayo co council has done nothing in either case. The Skelp case has been referred to the Ombudsman.
-	Gleniff, co Sligo. This area takes in a popular walking route, which includes the spectacular Ben Whiskin. Local farmers have physically threatened visitors to this area and hostile notices have been erected. The county council has done nothing effective in the 6 years since this problem arose.
-	Sugar Loaf, West Cork. A route from the southern side of the mountain, which is included in a German language walking guide (among others), has been blocked off by a truculent local landowner. The county council has done nothing since this problem was pointed out to them in 1998.
-	Gleninagh, co Galway. This circuit in the Twelve Bens is one of the most spectacular walking routes in Ireland. A local landowner blocked walkers on rough open ground near his house thus in effect closing off the route. We understand that this prohibition may have been lifted. Galway co council has done nothing about complaints. The case has been referred to the Ombudsman.

 

If you would like to inform us of any problems in your area please email us at info@keepirelandopen.org

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