The controversial plot of land opposite the Greenfields estate in Convoy which has led to an going bitter stand-off between residents and members of the travelling community has been put up for sale at public auction.
In July 2013, residents of the Greenfields estate placed bollards at the entrance of the site to prevent the travellers from gaining access to the land.
However as a result of their stance many residents have been the victims of constant intimidation by the traveller community.
On several occasions the travellers have attempted to gain access to the land but have failed on every occasion due to the combination of efforts between the residents and the Gardaí preventing them.
Despite their failed attempts to gain access to the land the travellers have not gone away and still drive through the estate daily to let residents know there still present and have no intention of going away.
However, news that the land is now up for sale at public auction could finally signal an end to the long running saga.
Residents have admitted they are exhausted at this stage, but hope the complex legal issues surrounding the land will finally be clarified.
It is believed that Mr Gerry Maguire is the official owner of the land, however it has been claimed that he sold the land to a member of the travelling community.
Mr Maguire has denied that any such transaction took place and it is has been reported that legal proceedings have been taken against Mr Maguire by a member of the travelling community.
A spokesman for the residents committee also revealed they received a letter from Cllr Frank McBrearty in relation to problems in the estate.
In the letter Cllr McBrearty reveals that Cllr Patrick McGowan told Mr Maguire he wasn’t allowed into the site.
McBrearty added that Mr Maguire owned the land and shouldn’t have been prevented entry to the site.
Interestingly Cllr McBrearty said if he was in a similar situation to the residents he would have acted the same.
He said, “If I lived in this estate, I probably would have taken the same action as some of the residents.
Residents admitted that tensions had cooled for a period, until Mr Maguire erected a fence at the entrance of the field which sparked a confrontation which eventually led to the Gardaí being called in to calm things down.
“We just want it to be resolved at this stage. We’re exhausted by now.
“We’re hoping that with the land up for sale at public auction clarity will finally be reached in regards to who actually owns the land.
“We believe it’s up for public auction on February the 28th but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.
“We’re just hoping that the issue can finally be put to bed and that we can move on with our lives.
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