Fianna Fáil Councillor, John Paul Feeley has condemned the defacing of road signs and bridges by those objecting to Gas Exploration in the Lough Allen Basin.
‘There has been much debate about the proposed exploration of gas across County Cavan, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo. Many serious issues have been raised and we all need to inform ourselves about the potential of this project. I have many concerns myself but I condemn the damage done to signs and bridges by persons who object to this process’
Noting that the vast majority of those who are objecting to Fracking are doing so with dignity and in a reasonable and proper manner, the West Cavan Councillor has stated that costing the local authority money and time and defacing public property is not acceptable form of protest.
‘This is a serious issue. We need to bring the community together, to understand what is happening in a rational manner. We must not allow this to become like the ‘Shell-to-Sea’ Campaign in North Mayo with bitter division in the community and heavy handed tactics all round.’
‘I have asked the local County Council staff to do whatever they can to remove the graffiti. The Council resources are already stretched.
There are many other things I would prefer to have Council staff working at and I would ask all those involved not to repeat this damage to property but to continue to advance their arguments in the proper manner.’