Golf club vows to pursue trespassers through courts

OWNERS of the acclaimed Old Head golf course in Kinsale, Co Cork have pledged to pursue “extremist” trespassers through the courts amid fears of a fresh wave of illegal protests on the multi-million euro development.

Despite a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that there are no public rights of access to the Old Head, activists are gearing up for a summer of disruption at the 15m luxury development, rated one of the most spectacular golf experiences in the world.

A 'mass trespass' is planned for tomorrow, sparking fears of another blow to local tourism.

Old Head owner, John O'Connor said yesterday that a group calling itself 'Workers Solidarity' have advised their supporters to ignore the Supreme Court ruling.

"We are now faced with continuing disruption to our business and cannot tolerate this form of gross intrusion onto the Old Head.

"The protesters have no mandate and no accountability. Their sole purpose in being at the Old Head is to disrupt our business by intimidating, insulting and abusing our guests who come from all over the world.

"These people run amok on private property, pick up golfer's balls and throw them into the sea. They terrorise and intimidate our guests. Many of them wear balaclavas.

"They can protest outside the Old Head for as long as they want but it is an indisputable fact that there are no rights of way on the Old Head and never were."

The 59-year-old developer said that after a costly 3m legal battle through the High and Supreme Courts, the access issue was closed.

"Last year, for the sake of keeping the peace we did let some people in the gates and they ran amok. These are not local Kinsale people. All they are here for is to cause trouble.

"During a year of tremendous difficulty in the tourism sector in Ireland one can only speculate as to the impression given to our visitors by these actions and abuse.

"Our contribution to the Kinsale area and economy in terms of golfing tourism is considerable over 200 jobs at Old Head alone depend on it," added Mr O'Connor.

"We cannot sit back and permit a group of 'extremists' to destroy a multi-million euro venture. Any intrusion on the property by demonstrators is a criminal act and the consequences will be dealt with in the courts."

Garda chiefs have also warned they will not tolerate any illegal behaviour or trespassing at the Old Head tomorrow. "We will be there to prevent any breach of the peace or any criminal damage.

"People have a right to a peaceful protest, but if anything happens beyond that, then there is a problem," said Superintendent Richard Duggan of Bandon garda station.