Tensions 'running high' in rural Waterford area over late-night cattle activity

Councillor Jim Griffin (Sinn Féin) spoke of the rising tensions in a rural community.

At the Metropolitan meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr Griffin said: "It's a farm that was sold in Ballyscanlon, it's now been turned into a cattle area. I've been up there umpteen times, mostly in the dead of night, when all the activity is happening. I know our planning section is aware of it, enforcement has been looking at it and I think there could be some breaches there."

Cllr Griffin said that even though he has engaged in communication with the Department of Agriculture, he can't get any answers.

 He said: "There's nothing illegal going on but it's all going on in the dead of night with cattle being moved to mart at 3, 4, 5 in the morning.

"Huge trucks are coming down with light bars. The trucks are ticking over all through the night. The light bars are shining in everyone's [home].

He went on: "It's a small little community there. Their life has been turned upside down and tensions are running high at the moment.

"I think something will happen or someone will lose their patience if something is not done."

Town Planner Hazel O'Shea said that the department was "aware" of the issue and issued a warning letter in April to the individuals associated with the development. 

She said: "They've had four weeks to respond to that and from there we will see where we go as appropriate, what steps we take."