Racial abuse and arson threat at Laois bog site, court told

Guards at a peatland in County Laois endured racist taunts and an apparent attempt to burn their shelter during a clash with intruders, according to evidence before the High Court.

Racial abuse and arson threat at Laois bog site, court told

Guards protecting a peat extraction site in County Laois endured racist taunts, threats on their lives, and an apparent attempt to set their shelter alight during a clash with intruders, according to evidence before the High Court.

The state-owned peat company has taken legal action against an agricultural contractor and three others over events at Garrymore Bog last month. The firm claims the men are on the land unlawfully, violating previous court rulings, and disrupting work at the 160-hectare property.

The contractor, acting as his own lawyer, says his family held part of the land for generations and the company left it unused. He denies any breach of court orders or involvement in racist behaviour.

At a hearing on Thursday, the judge examined video recordings from 22 May. The footage showed people behaving aggressively and hurling racist insults at the guards. The contractor was allegedly recorded saying "the Irish are coming" and expressing contempt for the court. Others were heard making comments about Africa and vowing to send the guards back where they came from.

One guard gave a written statement describing how roughly forty hostile people assembled during the confrontation, which lasted into the early hours of the next day. He said the intimidation worsened, and tyres and other flammable items were arranged around the guards' cabin and soaked with accelerant. Police assistance was needed for the guards to leave safely.

The company's lawyer contended the contractor orchestrated efforts to obstruct operations at the bog. The judge directed that the three other men be brought to court to respond to claims they are in contempt and postponed the matter.

Source: The Irish Times

Source: Irish Times