Stile facilitating public access to Benbradagh has been removed
“Yet another alarming development has occurred on Benbradagh mountain with the removal of a stile facilitating public access at one of the main access points”
A stile used to gain access to Benbradagh mountain’s popular walkways, which are widely advertised by government agencies including Causeway Coast and Glens Council, has been removed.
It follows the erection of a sign several weeks ago informing members of the public that trespassers will be prosecuted.
The removal of the stile comes just days after four landowners at the popular Dungiven beauty spot released a statement saying they recently became aware of people charging members of the public to take part in walking tours across the mountain without their consent.
The landowners stated that it raised ‘serious concerns about livestock welfare, public safety, insurance and liability’.
“This is privately owned land with no public right of way across it. It is insured for agricultural use, not public recreation,” they said, adding: “Given recent events, we have had no choice but to put up signs making clear that permission is needed.”
Earlier today, a large crowd attended Dungiven Library where a clinic was being held to allow members of the public to complete Public Right of Way User forms.
This event was organised by local campaign group ‘Save Benbradagh’ to allow local people to provide information to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council about how they have used the pathways over the years.
The campaign group has described the news that the stile has been removed as an ‘alarming development’.
“Yet another alarming development has occurred on Benbradagh mountain with the removal of a stile facilitating public access at one of the main access points,” said the spokesperson.
“The stile at the top of the Curragh Road has been a part of the physical landscape for decades.”
The group is calling on the Council to ‘protect public access urgently’.
“One of the Council’s most important legal duties is to protect public access. We hereby call upon Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council and elected representatives to move urgently to protect public access and reinstate publicly funded architecture.
“Benbradagh is a vital public amenity and high value tourist asset with designated walkways including the International Appalachian Trail.
“The removal of physical infrastructure and markings does not alter the legal reality. Our community has the right to access the mountain. The rights of way have been created by long, undisputed use and constitute permanent legal entities.”