Right of way along a country road

Monkstownman

Hi,
There is a road behind my house in Mayo which goes in a loop up a mountain.
There are about 4 different gates along it to prevent animals (sheep) straying too far. It up the the walker to keep these gates shut as he goes through them. However, recently one of the gates has been locked with a padlock.
Where can issues like this be raised?
Many thanks,

Cookie_Monster

Generally the county council will have records of all right of way etc. Maybe hillwalking Ireland. The Outdoor Pursuits forum would probably be more suited if this is for walking access.

Even if gate is lock can you not just climb over it? It is (iirc) permissible to lock gates but a style or some other form of access should be provided if that is the case.

foggy_lad

if it is a legitimate right of way them some form of fence crossong should be provided but it may not be a right of way and as such the land owner is perfectly entitled to prevent people trespassing on their land.

Monkstownman

No, this isn't across land or a path. It is an actual road that passes many farmers lands/ properties. The road has been open for the last 20 years. It basically leaves a main road goes up the side of a mountain and joins the road again. It's obviously rarely used but a road nonetheless. I could conceivably take a car up this road.

slimjimmc

AFAIK if it's a public road then it's open to the public and it should never be blocked but if it's a private road then the public can only use it with owners permission or if a public right-of-way has been established. I don't think a private road can be blocked if a public right of way exists (unless there is distinction between foot/vehicular right of way).

Victor

Monkstownman wrote: »

It is an actual road that passes many farmers lands/ properties.

There is a possibility that only those farmers have aright of way.