Gardai are to be invited to a meeting of the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District to discuss the ongoing issue of anti-social behaviour and littering at Lough Oughter.
A municipal district meeting heard this week that private landowners are being targeted in the area and that cattle and sheep are being worried. Litter is being dumped, the area is being used as a “toilet” and gates are being left open allowing cattle to wander onto the road.
Cllr Madeline Argue asked if Cavan County Council had the power to ban “overnight activities” as this was a contributory factor to the difficulties in the area.
She also highlighted the importance of introducing bye-laws to deal with the matter effectively.
“There is no regard for either public or private property out there,” she added.
Meanwhile, the meeting heard that bye-laws may not be possible because the local authority only has control of the car park and road at the facility.
Much of the land there is privately owned.
Cllr Brendan Fay then pointed out that “alcohol is the problem here”.
“If we had a fob system in place for the locals so they can access the facilities, then those causing the trouble won’t be able to get in,” he continued.
“Lough Oughter was meant to be a visitor attraction - I have been out there and it is intimidation and bullying that is going on.
“They [trouble makers] even have alsatian dogs.
“No overnight camping would definitely be a way forward.”
Cllr Peter McVitty then proposed that local gardai be invited to an MD meeting to discuss matters further.
It is expected that gardai will attend the meeting in the new year.
