Progress has been made in the row over granting permission to allow hillwalkers onto farmland, according to the Irish Farmer's Association.
The groups involved decided to back a scheme which will allow the development of a network of walks to enhance tourism in rural areas.
It is understood that the goverment will pay farmers for the development and maintenance of the walkways with payments from €700 a year to almost €3,000 per year.
Chairperson of the IFA Hill Committee, Nelia O'Leary, said the details of the new scheme must be announced by Minster for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O'Cuiv, so that farmers are given the necessary support.
Mr O'Leary said that farmers who participate will carry out a range of tasks including water management, vegetation control, surface and structure maintenance and litter clearance.
The walkway scheme can apply to existing walks as well as new walks that will be developed by local communities.
Mr O'Leary said that insurance will be provided by local leader companies and local authorities.
The IFA will examine the legal implications of the proposed scheme to ensure that the development of a walk does not give legal rights of access to recreational users.
