The Irish Farmers' Association has issued proposals which it hopes will bring an end to the long-running confrontation over the use of farmland by recreational walkers.
IFA leader John Dillon said the initiative encourages managed use of the countryside as well as protecting the rights of landowners.
The Mountaineering Council has welcomed the proposals.
For several years many farmers have been reluctant to allow leisure walkers onto their property.
The IFA today unveiled a list of proposals to help bring an end to the difficulty.
It is proposing a Countryside Walkways Management Scheme to help boost the tourism potential of rural areas.
The association wants to reverse the decline in walking tourism by involving up to 5,000 farmers in creating 2,000km of walks all over the country.
The IFA is hoping that the Government will provide the €6 million needed to launch the initiative.
It also wants local authorities to indemnify landowners against any insurance claims involving walkers on their property.
It is proposed that Fáilte Ireland would operate the scheme.
Farmers would get an annual payment of €1,000 plus €5 per metre, and the scheme would eventually cost about €15 million annually.
It is thought it will take several months before all parties agree on a deal.
