Dogs have no right to roam
Sir, – I frequently (almost weekly) take a walk at Rathcroghan Mound, which is part of the Rathcroghan monuments archaeological site near Tulsk, Co Roscommon.
Although the mound is open to the public, it is located on privately-owned land grazed by sheep. The car park adjacent to this land is operated by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and they have erected information signs for the public. Among these are two signs clearly indicating that dogs are not allowed on to the privately-owned land, either on or off a leash (they are allowed in the car park).
As frequently as I visit, I witness people allowing their dogs on to the land, sometimes on a leash, but just as often not – despite the fact that sheep and often lambs, are clearly visible at the site.
I would suggest that such behaviour contributes to the reluctance of many landowners to facilitate public access. Vincent Murphy asks “why not in Ireland”, mentioning the Swedish law of “allemansratten” (Letters, April 18th). Perhaps the Swedish are more law-abiding than the Irish? – Yours, etc,
SUSAN GREENE,
Castlerea,
Co Roscommon.