Eamon O’Cuiv, the minister for rural affairs, says he wants the managers to act as mediators between farmers and outdoor enthusiasts in parts of the country where there are rows over rights of way.
Up to three walking managers would be stationed in each county. Their role would be to negotiate access to private land for public use while protecting farmers’ interests.
“We will appoint local people who know the regions they will work in and the landowners who live there,” the minister said.
“They will act as a go- between for recreational users and farmers and try to resolve problems before they arise.”
The minister said the appointees would need to be “skilled in resolution” because they would have no enforcement powers.
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“These are going to be people who are out and about in their communities and who will be contactable by mobile phone, not stuck in an office. They will be pro-active: talking to landowners, getting agreements on access and helping to develop walking networks and trails.”
The walking managers will be paid under the community employment scheme which is managed by Fas, the training agency.
A report by Comhairle na Tuaithe, which represents farmers, mountaineers, walkers, Coillte and other recreational users, was completed last week and O’Cuiv has promised to respond quickly.
The report has been agreed by all members of the Comhairle apart from the Irish Farmers’ Association, which wants compensation of €5 per metre on marked routes. The strategy envisages some farmers being paid to develop and maintain walking paths, but does not propose paying landowners for access, a position supported by the minister.
The IFA has warned that its members may close off some walking routes if the matter is not resolved.