Judge "runs out of patience" with father and son over obstruction of windfarm

A High Court judge has warned a father and son from Muff, County Donegal, that they face imprisonment and seizure of machinery if they continue to obstruct access to a windfarm development at Glackmore. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds expressed her impatience with Joseph McGonigle and his son Seosamh following allegations that they placed a tractor and mobile home on an alternative access route required for health and safety purposes. The plaintiffs, Storm Renewables Ltd, Michael Doherty, Enros Wind Farm Ltd, and Three Trees Wind Project Ltd, sought further court orders to remove the vehicles blocking the route to the construction site. The defendants claim ownership of the disputed lands and deny wrongdoing. Ms Justice Reynolds granted the requested orders, giving the McGonigles until Sunday afternoon to remove the obstruction, warning of potential incarceration for further breaches and contemplating orders for machinery seizure. She noted mounting legal costs in the ongoing dispute. The matter was adjourned for one week.