Poachers plunder speed sign batteries from Limerick roads

TRESPASSERS who are terrorising Limerick landowners in the dead of night are now putting motorists and school children’s lives at risk, the Limerick Leader has learned.

Batteries are being stolen from driver feedback signs designed to slow motorists down and especially outside schools.

Informed sources have told the Leader the expensive batteries are being stolen for high-powered torches which are used by poachers with lurchers illegally roaming the land lamping hares.

A council spokesperson said batteries have been stolen from signs located in Kilmallock, Garrienderk, Elton, Hospital, Garryspillane, Galbally, Knocklong and Murroe.

“The cost of replacing the batteries including contractor call-out is €400 per location. This cost can be higher if damage is caused to other infrastructure such as wiring. The council is liaising with sign suppliers to provide units that have enhanced security,” said the council spokesperson. The thefts have been reported to gardai.

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The issue was raised at a Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District meeting during a motion by Cllr Ger Mitchell calling for “new fit for purpose legislation to be introduced and enacted relating to dogs entering on lands which may cause injury to persons or animals, to prevent distress to farmers, owners and their animals”.

“This legislation should include the appointment of sufficient dog wardens to monitor, enforce and follow up on reports,” said Cllr Mitchell. Limerick IFA and ICMSA have both highlighted increasing number of ‘stand-offs’ between organised gangs of trespassers and farmers before the “situation escalates to tragedy”. Limerick ICMSA chair John Bateman said one farmer was told “to select a site on his own farm where he’d like to be buried” last year.

Cllr Mike Donegan said Cllr Mitchell’s motion should be sent forward to the full council meeting.

“It needs not only local but national attention. Gangs of men with dogs going onto farmers’ land is a big problem,” said Cllr Donegan. Cllr Brigid Teefy said the minister for agriculture should be contacted. Cllr Eddie Ryan said two families from outside Galbally are coming into the area at night lamping hares.

“They are catching hares which are worth €80 each. There is borderline no wildlife left,” said Cllr Eddie Ryan.

Cathaoirleach John Egan said they have the same problem in Murroe. “Men with big lights and lurchers are destroying the hare population,” said Cllr Egan. Cllr PJ Carey said the issue seems to be under control in the Kilmallock area after “shots were fired and dogs killed”.

Cllr Martin Ryan said driver feedback signs shouldn’t be touched at all but “it is very callous of people to be targeting ones outside schools”.

“That is definitely taking it to a new level,” said Cllr Martin Ryan, who fears there could be a serious injury or worse due to the poachers’ battery thefts.