Congrats to all involved in the development of the new cliff path along the sensational Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.
Despite being a seemingly obvious thing, (remember that Wales has a path around its entire coastline which is reaping huge benefits for local economies) familiar Irish style access issues had been bedevilling the word famous Clare coastline for years. Of course, given the cliffs iconic status, the sheer weight of tourist numbers made it practically impossible for objecting landowners to do much about people walking their length, except to erect unwelcoming GOML type signs - not a very constructive thing for an area whose economy depends on tourism to such a large extent.
Now everyone concerned seems to have recognised that embracing the potential of the cliffs is the best approach for both landowners and the local economy as a whole. It has taken much work and negotiation, something which better countryside access laws might have negated the need for. But we are where we are and it is good to see a bottom up community approach bear such fruit. Landowners will hopefully come to see that no threat is posed by countryside access, but can be to the benefit of everyone in the local community. Walkers do not wish to trample over the countryside, but instead wish well defined routes to enable them to traverse it without fear of upsetting anyone.
Landscapes such as the Cliff of Moher deserve to be accessible to all, and such enlightened development deserves to be rewarded and lauded as an example to all. Here's hoping it can be sustained and that the model can not only be repeated, but can eventually inspire much needed change in the countryside access laws of the Republic of Ireland.
