MOUNTAIN LOG NEWS 20 of key court judgments, including the Wicklow Way case in 2017, and information on changes to the Occupiers’ Liability Act that came into effect in 2023. The changes to the legislation include: ● Voluntary Assumption of Risk – The most important point for Mountaineering Ireland members and others engaged in outdoor recreation is that voluntary assumption of risk is now the law. This change embeds in legislation a long-established principle that participants in outdoor recreation activities take responsibility for their own safety. As Mountaineering Ireland’s participation statement* highlights, we need to be aware of the risks in the activities we do and to take responsibility for our own actions. ● Structures – The 2023 revisions to the Occupiers’ Liability Act have also limited the duty of care an occupier owes in respect of structures for use primarily by recreational users, such as stiles, gates, footbridges or similar structures. There remains a duty to take reasonable care to Pictured this page: On the Beenkeragh Ridge, McGillycuddy’s Reeks. Photo: Helen Lawless * Mountaineering Ireland recognises that hillwalking, climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
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