The High Court learned that a rally at a location in Co Kildare, where emergency services for Ukrainian refugees are being established, has been “decreased” in intensity. The facilities are being produced by Total Experience Limited at Newhall, Naas, to provide shelter for families escaping the conflict. They got a temporary ruling last week which barred demonstrators from obstructing the site’s entrances.
The firm, doing business as Pastures New Accommodation, stated that their work was hindered by those opposing the State’s offer of a residence for displaced individuals. During Monday’s court appearance, the plaintiff’s solicitors reported that despite the injunction being issued, the protest was ongoing and a camp had been set up by the protesters on the site amounting to trespassing.
On Tuesday, Barry Mansfield BL, the plaintiff’s representative, informed Ms Justice Siobhán Stack that things had “decreased overnight”, and the camp had been taken down, reducing the urgency. However, the company plans to push forward with its case. Owing to the recent turn of events, Mansfield stated that his client didn’t need to amend its pleadings to accommodate the supposed trespass or involve other identified protest participants in the proceedings, which had been planned for Wednesday.
Instead, the representative requested that the case be postponed until next week, by which time it is hoped protesters will come to court. It is also notable that no protesters appeared in court or were represented during Monday’s session. Concessional posts suggesting a readiness to take part in the proceedings were allegedly displaying on a Facebook page connected to the protesters.
Ms Justice Stack consented to postpone the proceedings until next Thursday, with the injunction remaining active. Last week, it was reported that up to 50 protesters were staging a round-the-clock demonstration, using tactics such as constructing a “human shield” and parking cars in front of the entrances to prevent people and vehicles from entering or exiting the site. The activities were deemed as nuisances and unreasonable interference with the company’s work by the plaintiff, leading the court to grant a temporary injunction against the protesters.
The company has entered into a contract with the State to supply 985 sleeping facilities in 387 cottages, along with a mess tent, washing amenities, and areas for leisure activities on the location. The enterprise has clearly stated that it is not trying to disrupt anyone’s legitimate right to demonstrate peaceably. Nevertheless, it argues that obstructing the entrances is inconsistent with the law and poses a risk to safety.
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