Residents force water protesters out

Water meter protesters have been forced to withdraw from part of a Cork housing estate after complaints from long-time residents.

Tensions between the residents of Elmvale estate off the Sarsfield Road and a small group of protesters, some of whom also live in the estate, have escalated in recent days.

Some residents opposed to the week-old Irish Water blockade said they were angry at the protesters who “took over” their estate with no mandate from the vast majority of an estimated 160 householders.

There were angry exchanges between some residents and the protesters last Tuesday when the first blockade was mounted.

It was the fourth Cork estate to mount such a protest — blockades are continuing at Ashbrook Heights in Lehanaghmore, Ferwood and Palmbury nearby.

But Elmvale protest leader Sharon Deane defended her right to protest in her own estate.

She said when she and some of her neighbours approached the residents’ association last week about a water meter protest, they got no support.

But that didn’t stop them from blocking the main road into the estate.

She said at least seven of her neighbours in her part of the estate are fully supportive of the blockade.

With support from anti-water protesters from elsewhere, they have prevented Irish Water contractors from installing water meters in Elmvale estate for a week.

“I and my husband own our own house. We have no mortgage. We are entitled to protest,” she said. “We have withdrawn from one section of the estate after we were asked by residents to move.

“But we will continue our protest. I have every right to protest. It’s ongoing and it’s going to continue.”

She said they are keeping a watching brief on the situation and are ready to mount a protest at a moment’s notice if they see Irish Water contractors enter the estate.

The contractors, who have installed about 12 meters in the area, removed safety barriers and equipment from the area yesterday.

Meanwhile, Labour Cllr Ger Gibbons has urged elderly residents to ask for ID when visited by workers claiming to be from companies such as Irish Water.

“I have come across reports recently of bogus callers pretending to be from utility companies, seeking to gain access to houses in order to steal cash, purses or other items,” he said.

Irish Water said its workers do not ask to enter a private home or request money from householders, and they will always present an ID card if they need to speak with a householder.