Laois council tenants' 'livestock trespassing' on vintage club grounds

Laois County Council is being asked to evict council tenants in Clonad near Portlaoise, who are keeping goats and horses illegally on land that does not belong to them.

Fine Gael Cllr Paddy Buggy says there should be "severe sanctions", but the council say it's a matter for the Gardaí.

"I was approached by Raheen Vintage Club, they have land leased out in Clonad. There's horses on the land, trespassing illegally, there's goats as well. The owners of these animals are in council accommodation.

There's great responsibility attached to owning an animal, be it a cat, dog, pig, chicken, horse or cow. One must ensure there is no animal cruelty, and provide food, shelter and space appropriate to the animal. It cannot be a nuisance to one's neighbours, either by trespassing or causing excessive noise or having dogs attack humans or agricultural animals.

"Failure to comply can result in prosecution. When this council provides homes for people, it is based on the number of humans, though it is generally assumed that the occupants may have a small pet. 

"When council tenants have larger animals like goats, horses or cows, then I believe that the tenants must furnish to the housing department, a copy of the agreement with a landowner willing to provide land for said animals. 

"Failure to do so should result in severe sanctions, up to and including eviction from council accommodation. It's not acceptable that trespassing on private property is allowable. It should be a condition of the tenancy that trespass will have severe consequences," Cllr Buggy said.

His motion asked Laois County Council to review what consequences it has for tenants whose lifestock constantly trespass on private property. 

Cllr John Joe Fennelly supported the motion.

"I've been dealing with this as well over the last couple of years. In fairness to the council, the housing tenancy agency, they had horses removed from that field. We put up new fencing there, we've done absolutely everything. We were talking to the Gardaí on it as well. Maybe a meeting between the Gardaí and the tenant liaison officer might need to take place again. I think that's the only way we are going to sort it.

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"This has been an ongoing issue. You're right, there is goats on that land that Raheen Vintage Club have. It's not right, it's absolutely not right," Cllr Fennelly said.

Cllr Barry Walsh said he was contacted also by the club, and also urges a meeting to be held between all affected parties.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald reiterated that Laois County Council put in a new fence there and in other areas.

"People just ignore it and they cut away the fences. It's not fair on the people who are doing a lot in the community," she said.

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In response however, the housing section of Laois County Council said it is not a matter for them.

"Tenants cannot keep livestock as per their tenancy agreement. Trespass on private lands is not a matter for Laois County Council but the Gardaí," they said.