Gardaí and the PSNI are being asked to intervene urgently to stop an illegal blocking of the A3/N54 at Rabbit's Island in Drumully, between Clones and Connons. The area is being used by car enthusiasts and spectators to engage in wheelies and drifting at the weekends.
The antisocial behaviour is causing fear in the local community, particularly to elderly people living on their own. Speaking to Northern Sound this evening, Cllr Pat Treanor highlighted how locals who tried to talk to those involved were abused and left frightened by the attitude towards them.
He added the most serious incident, so far, happened on Saturday night last when 140 drivers and spectators turned up about 11pm; took over the road; and stayed to 1 or 2 in the morning. "The local community are tortured at weekends by a gang of drivers taking over the main road for hours. They block the road and abuse anyone who tries to intervene.
"Older people living alone are scared and feel isolated during these episodes. They are fearful of going outside and for anyone visiting them. They also fear that someone will get seriously injured by this dangerous activity. It's a torture for the whole community.
The most serious incident in recent times happened on Saturday night last when about 140 drivers and spectators turned up about 11pm, took over the road and stayed to 1 or 2 in the morning. Older people and workers, who had to get up for work in the morning, couldn't get to sleep with the noise and back-firing of cars.
"Local people believe that these events are organised on WhatsApp and that the group meets in a carpark in Cavan or Monaghan before the convoy moves to Rabbit's island. They are pleading for the Gardai to intervene along the route and break up this dangerous and illegal activity.
"I have spoken to the Gardai in Monaghan today and my colleague, Cllr Thomas O Reilly has spoken to the PSNI in Fermanagh. In the past a joint operation by both police services put a stop to this activity and hopefully the same can happen this time," Cllr Treanor said.
