Legal Responsibilities

To improve the opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Access to the Countryside (NI) Order was introduced in 1983. This legislation enables district councils to identify routes for walking and horse-riding. Anyone with suggestions for new routes or information about alleged public rights of way should make direct contact with the Countryside Officer, of the relevant district council. The names and addresses of the Council Countryside Officers can be downloaded here (.PDF.66Kb)

NIEA advice to district councils on access legislation is included within a detailed guidance manual known as the Red Book (.PDF 1Mb)

The following leaflet deals with Article 16 Public Path Orders, specifically those made by the Department of the Environment, under the Access to the Countryside Order 1983, to allow the carrying out of development in line with planning permission;
Guidance notes for persons attending Article 16 public local inquiries (.PDF 151Kb)

The Public Path Order (.PDF 483Kb) leaflet outlines the procedure for Hearings or Inquiries which are required to take place under Article 14 and 15 (Diversion and Extinguishments of rights of way) of the Access to the Countryside Order 1983.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) of the Department of the Environment has discretionary powers to give grant aid to councils for the development of access opportunities. The Service also has legal functions to approve proposals for long distance routes and to make decisions about  public path orders which are opposed.