'I had just one rule': Farmer says closing walking trail was tough decision

Pat Dunne said the incident has left him feeling “frustration and annoyance”.

Pat Dunne at the entrance to the walkway where he has withdrawn consent for public access to his lands via the 'Zig-Zags' trail at Glenmalure in Wicklow. Picture: Nick Bradshaw

Wicklow farmer Pat Dunne said taking the decision to close public access to his land has been “one of the toughest decisions” he and his family has ever had to make.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Dunne told of the “frustration” over the matter after he was allegedly assaulted by a walker on his land on March 19.