Access indemnity scheme
John Brassil asked about promised legislation for an indemnity scheme to protect landowners providing access to the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Mount Gable. The Taoiseach said he would raise it with the Minister and seek a written reply.
With regard to promised legislation I want to bring the Taoiseach's attention to an issue on an insurance indemnity scheme for landowners who provide access to the MacGillycuddy's Reeks in Kerry and Mount Gable in Galway. Four years ago, working groups were established in both areas comprising the local authority, landowners, local development organisations and the Department. The key to driving forward this issue is an indemnity scheme by the Department for landowners so that anybody using the land would not be in a position to claim against the landowners. The one thing that has been holding up everything for the past 18 months is, we have been told, that primary legislation is needed to provide this indemnity insurance policy. No progress has been made and draft legislation has not been printed. Will the Taoiseach follow up with the relevant Minister to get this issue over the line for the 2019 season? It has far-reaching implications if landowners refuse to co-operate and provide access in both of these areas and in many other areas throughout the country.
Comment on this
I am afraid I do not have any information on this at present but I will certainly make the Minister, Deputy Ring, aware of the fact the Deputy has raised it and I will ask him to provide a written answer to the Deputy on the progress being made. I certainly share the Deputy's sentiments. The development of greenways and walkways throughout the country has opened it up to recreational walkers and tourism. If done properly and fairly it can be of benefit to landowners also. I will pursue it with the Minister, Deputy Ring.