IFA President Tim Cullinan says cooperation between landowners and recreational users of the countryside is dependent on visitors respecting the needs of the land owner. The comments come after a farmer in County Wicklow, Mr Pat Dunne, was allegedly assaulted by a person insisting on bringing three dogs along a route facilitated by the farmer.
The walking route is made possible by means of a formal agreement between the farmer and County Wicklow Partnership and is known locally as the ZigZags. Dogs are not allowed on the route which is located entirely on Mr Dunne’s property as livestock are present. Notices have now been posted at the entrance point directing walkers to another area as Mr Dunne has decided to withdraw his consent for public access.
County Wicklow Partnership has worked closely with Mr Dunne via the Walks Scheme over the last 16 years and says it is appalled that he suffered this assault at the weekend.
Mr Cullinan, who farms in Tipperary says “Nobody can blame the farmer in question for closing off access when he’s subject to this kind of behaviour.”
