The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has stated that the property rights of farmers can’t be ignored by the growing tourist industry.

In a meeting with Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring, the group welcomed the growth of the tourist trade to rural Ireland but said that farmers in rural areas must benefit from that trade and tourists must be mindful that they are trekking or hiking on private land.

INHFA delegation meeting Minister Ring in Dublin on some serious issues affecting Farmers . L to R Henry O'Donnell INHFA Donegal, Minister Michael Ring, Maureen Walsh (sligo), INHFA, Micheal McDonnell (Mayo) INHFA.

ADVERTISEMENT

The issue of public liability was raised by the president of the INHFA Henry O’Donnell and the fears that many farmers had that they could be sued if a tourist injured themselves on private farmland.

“Farmer concerns have been ignored and while we acknowledge attempts being made by the Minister in addressing the issue of liability (which is being piloted in two areas) this issue and others outlined needs to be prioritised for all hill farmers,” O’Donnell said.

“A tourism industry that ignores the property rights and concerns of our farmers is not sustainable.”

The issue of littering, dog worrying and gates not being closed by walkers was also raised by the INHFA.

Read more

€62m allocated to projects for rural regeneration

Visit Canada this summer with the Macra exchange programme