APPENDIX 6: RIGHTS OF WAY

The present status of rights of way in Ireland is most unsatisfactory, with uncertainty as to where rights of way exist, and with the local authorities in many cases failing to list and maintain or to take enforcement proceedings where they are blocked. The local authorities should therefore take a much more forceful and effective attitude to preserve the present network and indeed to extend it.
As stated above we call for the creation of new rights of way particularly where there are large numbers of walkers, as in the Dublin and Wicklow mountain area, and elsewhere where insoluble disputes arise. The legislation to create rights of way already exists under the Roads Act (1991) and the Planning and Development Act (1963).

For rights of way to be effective they should:

-	Be clearly marked on the ground, so that those using it will be in no doubt as to its exact route.
-	Be easy to find its start on a public road preferably by indication on a map or on other literature.
-	Be maintained eg by stiles/gates, waymarks and by clearing vegetation.
-	Be monitored by the local authorities who would sort out disputes as they arise.
-	Preferably have consistent signposting in all parts of the country.

 

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

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