Cork man accused of climbing oil tanker during Whitegate fuel protests appears in court

Accused charged with allowing a mechanically propelled vehicle to remain in place so long as to cause or was likely to cause the traffic through such a place to be obstructed

Fuel protesters in Whitegate earlier this month. Picture: Larry Cummins

A 51-year-old Cork man who allegedly caused an obstruction by climbing on top of an oil tanker at Whitegate refinery in Co Cork during the fuel protests has appeared in court.

Ivor Sweeney, of Coolbawn Lodge, Bailick Road, Midleton, was before Midleton District Court on Thursday morning.

Mr Sweeney is charged that on April 10 on Main Street, Whitegate, he allowed a mechanically propelled vehicle to remain in place so long as to cause or was likely to cause the traffic through such a place to be obstructed.

The alleged offence is contrary to Section 98 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and Section 102 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended by the Road Traffic Act 2006.

Evidence of arrest, charge, and caution was made by way of certificate.

Defence solicitor Wayne O’Sullivan made an application for disclosure. Judge Colm Roberts granted his application.

Mr Sweeney was not required to speak during the brief hearing.

Judge Colm Roberts remanded Mr Sweeney on bail to appear before the court on June 11 next for a plea or to set a date for hearing.