Enniskerry Old Coach Rd Case Fundraising Appeal

Those of us who enjoy walking the traditional routes of our beautiful land can easily take our freedom to do so for granted. But occasionally we must take a stand to preserve that freedom, even if it comes at a cost.
Niall Lenoach and Noel Barry, two deeply committed walking enthusiasts from Enniskerry, took such a stand on behalf of all of us in a dispute with a local landowner who blocked off an ancient route. It was a long, hard fight. As a result, they now face a crippling cost.
In 2003, a landowner blocked off a route on the Old Coach Road near Enniskerry that local people and hikers had used for centuries. The route was recorded on maps going back to 1760. But walkers were prevented from accessing it following the landowner’s decision.
Niall and Noel stepped up to challenge this situation. In 2004, the Enniskerry Walking Association (EWA) was set up to promote walking in the local area and to lobby officials to keep traditional routes open. The association also held a public gathering to walk to Old Coach Road to raise awareness about the route’s closure.
In 2008, the landowner filed a High Court case against Niall and Noel over their peaceful campaign, alleging trespass and slander of title. Despite Niall and Noel’s best efforts and all the evidence they compiled, the judgment didn’t go in their favour. The judge found that it was not a public right of way for them.
The Supreme Court refused to intervene further and last July these two members of our community were hit with a massive bill of €90,000. It has since been reduced to €38,452.96, but even this burden is practically unbearable for these two men who bravely fought this case for the common good.
A GoFundMe appeal has been set up to assist addressing these costs. The EWA will be hosting the official launch for the appeal on Friday the 16th of February, in the Village Hall, Enniskerry beside Crimmin’s Garage at 19:30 pm, Eircode: A98 V993. Members of the KIO community will be warmly welcomed. The Fund is already active HERE.
Alternatively donations can be lodged directly to the Enniskerry Walking Association via
Account name: Enniskerry Walking Association (EWA) IBAN: IE49AIBK93340608771042 (BIC AIBKIE2D)