2011 Public Right of Way Controversy
In September 2011, Gerry Barrett ordered that electric gates be installed, and subsequently shut, blocking a centuries old public right of way over a bridge near the Castle. The road is used daily by families living on the Estate as well as local residents. After a letter to Castle management asking for the right of way to be re-established was ignored, a group of 150 concerned locals and Ashford residents protested against the blocking of the right of way. The group was joined by local councillors and Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D.. Mr. Barrett had earlier attempted to block the protest by taking out a High Court injunction.
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