Gardaí looking into anti-social noises in Kilgobnet
Kilgobnet Church in Co Waterford has been plagued with inappropriate noises over the past number of weeks.
Gardaí are investigating a troubling situation at Kilgobnet Church, Co Waterford.
Over the past number of weeks, parishioners have been plagued with inappropriate noises that have been coming from a nearby loudspeaker.
On one occasion, the sounds of graphic material were played while people were attending the graveyard.
Gardaí were reached for comment and responded with the following statement:
“Gardaí are investigating reports of offensive audio material being played on a continuous basis in the vicinity of Kilgobnet, Dungarvan, County Waterford in recent weeks.
"Investigations are ongoing at this time.”
According to a source, there was a loud recording of a woman’s voice shouting "w***er" on a loop, as parishioners laid flowers on graves for Father’s Day.
On another occasion, the loudspeaker was playing the local radio during the recent funeral of a little girl who had died tragically.
It is alleged that the person behind the antisocial behaviour lives nearby to the church, and is disapproving of parishioners using the thoroughfare to the church.
The house shares a road with the church, which is often busy with road users dropping off and picking up worshippers.
The church is located at the top of a hill, which can be difficult to climb for some parishioners, particularly the elderly.
The antisocial incidents have been reported to both the Gardaí and Waterford City and County Council.
Councillors and locals have heavily condemned the antisocial behaviour.
Dungarvan Councillor Conor McGuinness (Sinn Féin) said: “It has become clear since that it is being done on purpose to be as disruptive and offensive and disrespectful as possible.
"There is no excusing for it now or explaining it away."
He added: "It is done on purpose to cause people attending mass and funerals pain. It is utterly unacceptable that someone could do this."
Cllr McGuinness ended: “We all have the right to attend our place of worship, and to attend that place without harassment.”
According to WLR FM, the antisocial behaviour has caused great distress and sadness for the locals of Kilgobnet.
One local man told the news outlet: "I've seen a few things on social media and some people seem to think it's a joke and they're making fun of it.
"But for anyone that's bereaved or has a loved one buried up there, including myself, it's not funny when you go up to visit a grave and you hear this thing blaring out all the time."
Investigations into the noises are ongoing.
