John Bruton (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the work programme of Comhairle na Tuaithe on access to waymarked ways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22675/04]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress being made towards a policy regarding access by walkers and so on to the countryside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22779/04]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 195 and 219 together.

The aims and objectives of Comhairle na Tuaithe are: to ensure that all those with an interest and concern in the sustainable development and proper management of the recreational amenities of the countryside are fully consulted on their future management; to develop and update, as necessary, a national countryside recreation strategy; to ensure that all means necessary are used to resolve conflicts that arise in relation to access issues and responsible enjoyment of the countryside; to raise awareness of the benefits to and responsibilities of recreational use of the countryside and to carry out research and training on related issues and; to allow the benefits and management of increased leisure use to be studied closely.

The work plan of Comhairle na Tuaithe for its first year involves the following outputs: seminar on its work; preparation draft of a national countryside recreation strategy; mechanisms for conflict resolution in relation to access issues and responsible enjoyment of the countryside; a countryside code.

To assist Comhairle na Tuaithe in the development and delivery of its work programme, my Department has also appointed a research-development officer. This officer attends all of the meetings of Comhairle na Tuaithe and of the three working groups set up within this body.

These working groups which have met on several occasions are working on the examination of the issues surrounding access to the countryside; the development of a countryside code; and the development of a countryside recreation strategy Comhairle na Tuaithe is now preparing for a national seminar to be held in November to promote and develop its work and to identify key mechanisms and processes to achieving progress. Based on the advice of Comhairle na Tuaithe and wider developments, I will pursue with relevant colleagues in Government any action which may be necessary.