Traveller group condemns vandalism at Dunsink golf course

One of the architects of the agreement intended to end demonstrations against the so-called "Dunsink Wall", has criticised the…

One of the architects of the agreement intended to end demonstrations against the so-called "Dunsink Wall", has criticised the vandalism of a golf course being linked to the protests.

The Travellers' group, Pavee Point, condemned those responsible for causing an estimated €60,000-worth of damage to Elmgreen Golf Centre which is near the halting site at the centre of the protest.

"We do not support or condone anything like that," said a spokeswoman. "We hope the Gardai can do their job and prosecute anyone who's involved."

Mr Martin Collins a spokesman for group said the vandalism was caused by a "minority element" from the local Traveller population.

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A spokeswoman for the council told ireland.comtoday said the incident seemed linked to the protest but a Garda spokeswoman refused to confirm a connection.

She said video evidence of this incident was being examined and that the scene was being preserved for examination.

The Elmgreen Golf Centre is publicly owned by Fingal County Council, which was at the centre of protests when it erected a barrier at Dunsink Lane. Travellers objected and violence broke out on several occasions during their demonstration against what they said was a "monument to racism".

The dispute appeared to have ended last night when it was agreed the barrier - intended to stop illegal dumping - should be moved further down Dunsink Lane.

But overnight, 11 greens were vandalised and slogans such as "Open Road" and "Garda scum" were carved onto the surface of some and a car was burnt out. Another slogan written in oil contained the name of a local Garda officer.

Elmgreen Golf Centre manager Mr Alan Williamson said staff had been on alert all week to the possibility of an attack after being threatened with flares last week. "When this was resolved last night, we thought we were back to normal. We had security at the gates but they didn't go that way."

He said the resodding would cost around €60,000, while the two greens damaged by oil would require more treatment.