Hunt not behind knacker’s yard bid

The United Hunt Club has issued a statement stressing it is not involved in an application for planning permission for a knacker’s yard close to the east Cork village of Lisgoold.

Local residents are campaigning against the development.

The application to Cork County Council was lodged in the names of the Jim and Finbarr Murray and, while the latter is an employee of the United Hunt Club, a club spokesman said they are not associated with it.

“The United Hunt Club was not made aware of the planning application until after it had been made,’’ club secretary Stephen Lucey said.

Mr Lucey said that Finbarr Murray is also self-employed as an independent knackery operator and made the planning application in respect of the proposed Lisgoold development independently of the club.

“The United Hunt Club does not and never has lent its support to this application for planning,’’ the club statement concluded.

A spokesperson for Lisgoold Community Council said that those opposing the proposal never believed it had the support of the United Hunt Club.

Three representatives of the objectors have met a senior Cork County Council planning executive and outlined their views.

A decision on the planning application is expected by the end of next month or early September.