Document Type
Theses, Masters
Rights
Available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International Licence
Disciplines
Business and Management.
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
Recommended Citation
Muyllaert, M.: Aspects of Recreational Access in the Wicklow Uplands: the Lough Dan and Lough Tay Catchment, a Case Study. Masters Thesis. Technological University Dublin, 2003.
Publication Details
Successfully submitted for the award of Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) to the Technological University Dublin, 2003.