Document Type

Theses, Masters

Rights

Available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International Licence

Disciplines

Business and Management.

Publication Details

Successfully submitted for the award of Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) to the Technological University Dublin, 2003.

Abstract

At a time when recreational resources are being put under increasing pressure, this study investigates to what extent recreational access in and to the L.Dan/L.Tay area of North Co. Wicklow is an issue for landowners and recreational users. The study area was chosen because of its closeness to Dublin, its popularity as a recreational destination, and the perception that conflicts between landowners and recreational users are becoming more common in the area. The study is based on surveys carried out among local residents and landowners, and recreational users. The information gathered includes the attitudes and behaviours towards access, the examination of perceived and actual sources of conflict, and the patterns of land use and access routes. Half of all landowners surveyed have had some problems caused by recreational users. These landowners are mainly located in specific parts of the area, in particular at the access points to the lakes and upland areas. Most landowners never control or prevent access because they feel it is too difficult to restrict access. A high proportion of users changed their route when signs restricting access were encountered. Fear of liability claims was a problem for a small amount of landowners. All users claimed to think that they are responsible for their own safety while on someone else’s land. Examples of current consultations on access in Ireland are presented. Access agreements accommodating the needs of local landowners and recreational users are a good way of managing access in Ireland. An audit of current consultation, and of the level of access provision, could be used to construct a model for access agreements.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21427/D7B45K


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