208.—(1) Where a public right of way is created pursuant to this Act, or where a provision in a development plan F1104[or local area plan] in force on the commencement of this section relates to the preservation of a public right of way, the way shall be maintained by the planning authority.

(2) (a) Where a right of way is required by this section to be maintained by the planning authority, a person shall not damage or obstruct the way, or hinder or interfere with the exercise of the right of way.

(b) A person who contravenes this subsection shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) Where, in the case of a right of way required by this section to be maintained by the planning authority, the way is damaged or obstructed by any person, the planning authority maintaining the right of way may repair the damage or remove the obstruction, and the expenses incurred by it in the repair or removal shall be paid to them by that person and, in default of being so paid, shall be recoverable from him or her as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.