Monaghan County Council has said it does not "seek to prevent lawful protest" at a Clones GAA stadium.
It follows action taken on behalf of the council after protestors gathered outside the stadium last weekend to oppose the Allianz sponsorship of the GAA.
A social media post from campaigning group 'Gaels for Genocide' stated they were "dismayed by further attempts to harass and intimidate Gaels involved in 'Drop Allianz' protests outside St Tiernach's Park."
In response, Monaghan County Council says it wishes to clarify that its action relates to a section of Council-owned land adjacent to the stadium, which is not designated for public access and is not suitable for pedestrian use.
The Council states no request for access to this area was received, and no permission was granted.
Monaghan County Council has issued written clarification to the protesters that this area should not be accessed.
It stresses the Council "fully respects the right to peaceful protest" and "any suggestion that it is seeking to interfere with or restrict protest activity is not correct."
Statement from Monaghan County Council:
Monaghan County Council works in cooperation with An Garda Síochána and GAA partners to support the safe and orderly management of events at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones.
The Council wishes to clarify that its involvement in this matter relates solely to a section of Council-owned land adjacent to the stadium which is not designated for public access and is not suitable for pedestrian use.
No request for access to this area was received, and no permission was granted by the Council. The land in question does not have safe or appropriate access or egress and is not intended to accommodate members of the public.
As the landowner, Monaghan County Council has a statutory responsibility to manage risk and ensure public safety. In that context, the Council has issued written clarification that this area should not be accessed.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Council’s actions do not relate to the substance or purpose of any protest activity, nor do they seek to prevent lawful protest. The Council fully respects the right to peaceful protest, which must be exercised in locations that are safe and appropriate for public use.
Any suggestion that the Council is seeking to interfere with or restrict protest activity is not correct. The actions taken are proportionate, necessary, and based solely on public safety considerations.
