Old Coach Rd Case fundraising appeal

Old Coach Road case funding appeal

Those of us who enjoy walking the traditional routes of our beautiful land can easily take our freedom to do so for granted. But occasionally we must take a stand to preserve that freedom, even if it comes at a cost.

Niall Lenoach and Noel Barry, two deeply committed walking enthusiasts from Enniskerry, took such a stand on behalf of all of us in a dispute with a local landowner who blocked off an ancient route. It was a long, hard fight. As a result, they now face a crippling cost.

We are appealing to you, the walking community, to help Niall and Noel meet this burden.

Niall, a school teacher, historian and father of three, is chairman of Enniskerry Walking Association (EWA). Noel, a great-grandfather who has given years to local causes, is its secretary. Both are stalwarts of the community who have fought for years to keep traditional walking routes open to all. In 2015 Noels name was added to the county roll of honour in recognition of outstanding service to the County Wicklow Community Games.

In 2003, a landowner blocked off a route on the Old Coach Road near Enniskerry that local people and hikers had used for centuries. The route was recorded on maps going back to 1760. But walkers were prevented from accessing it following the landowner’s decision.

Niall and Noel stepped up to challenge this situation. In 2004, the EWA was set up to promote walking in the local area and to lobby officials to keep traditional routes open. The association also held a public gathering to walk to Old Coach Road to raise awareness about the route’s closure.

In 2008, the landowner filed a High Court case against Niall and Noel over their peaceful campaign, alleging trespass and slander of title. Despite Niall and Noel’s best efforts and all the evidence they compiled, the judgment didn’t go in their favour. The judge found that it was not a public right of way for them.

They subsequently asked the Supreme Court to consider new evidence, including maps going back to the 18th century. The case was referred to the Court of Appeal, which declined to consider the fresh material. Crucially, the court did find that the issue over whether it was a public right of way was essentially unproven. But it upheld the awarding of legal costs against Niall and Noel.

The Supreme Court refused to intervene further and last July these two members of our community were hit with a massive bill of €90,000. It has since been reduced to €38,452.96, but even this burden is practically unbearable for these two men who bravely fought this case for the good of everybody.

Such a financial penalty has frightened many walkers and locals who want to campaign to protect traditional routes, but now feel like they are unable to speak up. It is also deeply distressing for Niall and Noel, who now face the worry of how to meet the cost.

They stepped up to take a stand in this matter of great public importance. Now we, the people who love walking and who value our freedom to do so, must rally to help them alleviate the burden. Any donation at all that you can afford to give would be hugely appreciated.

With deepest thanks,

Enniskerry Walking Association

Alternatively donations can be lodged directly to the Enniskerry Walking Association via

Account name: Enniskerry Walking Association (EWA)

IBAN: IE49AIBK93340608771042 (BIC AIBKIE2D)