Man charged with dangerous driving following incident at Whitegate oil refinery

Olivia Kelleher

A 27-year-old man has appeared in court in Midleton, Co Cork, charged with five counts of dangerous driving arising out of an alleged incident which occurred on April 11th last at the approach to the Whitegate refinery in Co Cork.

Darra O’Shea of Corbally South, Ballincurrig, Leamlara Co Cork, is charged with dangerous driving at five locations in Co Cork during the fuel protest.

The locations include Knockanemorney, Rostellan, Lower Aghada, Rostellan in Midleton, Whitewell Cross in Whitegate and Ballynafarsid in Rostellan.

It is alleged that O’Shea drove his tractor in a manner, including speed, which was dangerous to the public or was likely to be dangerous to the public.

The alleged offence is contrary to Section 53 (1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961

Sgt Linda O’Leary said that terms of bail had been agreed in the case.

O’Shea has to refrain from posting on social media in relation to the court proceedings or any future proceedings.

He has also given his agreement to be of good behaviour whilst on bail.

Defence barrister Elaine Audley said that her client was anxious to receive DPP directions in the case.

Judge Colm Roberts remanded O’Shea on his own bond of €500 to appear before Midleton District Court on June 25th next.

Around 100 fuel protesters gathered outside the court whilst the brief hearing was underway.

They cheered O’Shea as he walked out of the court.

There was a garda presence in the vicinity of the court.