FARMERS in Liscannor have been “terrorised” by a group of men with shotguns hunting for rabbits, a Clare TD has highlighted.
An Garda Síochána are currently investigating the ongoing tension in the North Clare village following representations from some of the county’s Oireacthas members within the past fortnight.
Cathal Crowe TD (FF) told Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, “there are a group of farmers in Liscannor that are being terrorised at the minute. Very frequently people come on their lands with shotguns hunting for rabbits. The farmers have tried to clear them but they have been told the guns will be turned on them instead of the rabbits”.
Local farmers are “combining in resisting this thuggery on their collective lands but it needs a response from An Garda Síochána,” Deputy Crowe stated.
Subsequent to his contribution, Crowe then presented Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran with six registration numbers of cars “that are frequent in the area” at the time of the incidents. He claimed that the vehicles have no tax or insurance, “if you can’t get them for the heavy stuff then get them for this,” he remarked.
Chief Supt Colleran advised the meeting that he spoke to Joe Carey TD (FG) on the matter last week with numerous complaints already received by the Gardaí. “If anyone feels something is not right or appropriate, we need to make sure they contact us in An Garda Síochána, we are a taxpayer funded service, make sure you report it so we are fully aware”.
He confirmed that Gardaí have been assigned to the case to pull together different patterns of behaviour, “we don’t want to go into too much detail at this meeting on our investigation but we wish to remind the public don’t ever be afraid to contact An Garda Síochána, we’re there 24/7 and we will always answer the phone”.
