Click on the link for the audio.
http://www.shannonside.ie/news/tcca-welcomes-court-decision-to-strike-out-charges/
TCCA welcomes court decision to strike out charges
Friday, July 12th, 2013 at 8:00 am
The Turfcutters and Contractors Association says the striking out of charges against three turf contractors in court yesterday is a step forward.
Chair of the TCCA Michael Fitzmaurice says the decision by Judge Seamus Hughes at Mullingar District Court moves them closer to completely vindicating their rights on the issue.
Three brothers, Thomas, Brian and Edward McGahern of Cloncovid, Kilcogy, Cavan appeared at Mullingar District Court yesterday in relation to charges that they had cut turf at Moneybeg, Finea on May 31st 2012.
Gardaí applied to have the matter heard summarily before the District Court but Judge Seamus Hughes refused saying he was not in a position to make a decision as to jurisdiction.
He said there was insufficient information before the court as to seriousness or otherwise of the charges noting the absence of NPWS representatives in court.
In striking out the charges, Shannonside News understands that Judge Hughes queried the legality of the prosecution of turf cutters.
The decision follows a separate hearing earlier this week in which Judge Hughes called on the Minister Jimmy Deenihan to allow him to distribute illegally cut turf to the “needy of Longford” instead of returning it to the bog as prescribed by the Department.
Speaking to Shannonside News, after Judge Hughes’ decision in Mullingar District Court, Chair of the TCCA Michael Fitzmaurice welcomed the decision:
0 comments:
Post a Comment