Concrete Block Dropped On Border Patrol Boat

Attacks on the people whose job it is to protect a vital part of Ireland's environment were on the agenda this week.

It emerged that a cross-border patrol boat was even targeted with a potentially lethal concrete block being dropped on it - such is the nature of the intimidation and physical attacks suffered.

The Stormont Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Minister, Michelle O'Neill, met with the NI Justice Minister to discuss such ongoing attacks on Loughs Agency boats - which patrol the waters around Derry and into Carlingford Lough - as well as other rural crime issues.

Speaking after the meeting with Alliance party leader and Justice Minister David Ford, Minister O'Neill said: "The Loughs Agency is a very important all island body, and one of its roles is the protection of inland fisheries, partly through the prevention of poaching in the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

"Bricks, stones and knives have been used to intimidate and attack Loughs Agency patrol staff, and in one incident this year a patrol boat on the River Foyle came under attack when a concrete block was dropped off a bridge," she revealed.

"Loughs Agency staff do a commendable job in stopping poachers, and I am strongly of the view that they should be able to carry out these duties without fear of intimidation or assault.

"For that reason, it was important for me to meet with the Justice Minister to discuss this issue.

"I will also be meeting with the [PSNI] Chief Constable next month to discuss the issue and explore ways of ensuring that these attacks do not continue," she added.

During the meeting the Sinn Fein and Alliance Ministers also discussed the issue of rural crime.

Michelle O'Neill said: "I am concerned at the fact that theft of farm equipment and livestock rustling is on the increase across [NI].

"I raised this concern with Minister Ford and highlighted the need for effective action to be taken to prevent this trend continuing. I plan to raise this issue with the Chief Constable directly when I meet him," she added.

(BMcC)