A PROTEST was held last week as part of an ongoing dispute at Ports Road, Newtownbutler.

Protestors gathered to object to the blocking of access to an alleged public right of way to a public quay.

Approximately 40 people attended a prior meeting, held close to the Crom Castle estate, before they then made their way to the barricade on the Ports Road, where they attached children’s toys to the gate as a means of protest.

The road has been sealed off from the majority of the public with gates and boulders, with protestors calling on the area to be restored to the way it was.

The quay was previously used by residents from all across the local area to launch boats, go fishing, enjoy water sports and to bring animals back from islands on the lough, but since the erection of the fence, such activity has stopped.

This was the second such large-scale protest held by the community, with some of those who are angry at the blocking of the road maintaining a presence in the local area.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are currently investigating the claim of an alleged public right of way on the Ports Road.

A Council spokesman confirmed the ongoing investigation on the matter and said: “Under the Access to the Countryside (NI) Order 1983, councils in Northern Ireland have a duty to investigate alleged public rights of way.

"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is currently carrying out an investigation in relation to an alleged public right of way at Ports Road, Newtownbutler.

"A formal report will be presented [to the relevant Council committee] following the conclusion of the investigation.”

One local resident believes that the investigation being carried out by the Council will help.

Eammon O’Harte said: “There have been a lot of submissions sent to the Council on the history of the road, photographs of the road and maps showing the road is a publicly accessible road.”

He said he firmly believes that most of the community wish for the public right of way to be retained.

Protestors are hopeful that something will develop from their actions, and their submissions to the Council, to soon dispel the community's frustration about the situation.

Given the recent spell of good weather, many residents are annoyed that the quay remains inaccessible. Mr. O'Harte added: “Lots of jetties are crammed at the moment in the area, and it’s a pity that the area is blocked off in the good weather.”

The other parties in this dispute were contacted by The Impartial Reporter. Their legal representatives advised that they would not be commenting on the issue at this time.