The blockade of access to Lough Erne close to Newtownbutler has seen the community opposing it hold their third protest recently.

Previous protests have taken place at the blockade on the Ports Road, where a fence has been erected preventing people from reaching the lough shore.

However, on Thursday, September 2 protesters took to the water and 10 boats including canoes arrived on the foreshore at Ports Road where they were joined by other members of the local community at the blockade.

It is reported up to 40 people attended the protest and they have vowed to continue the fight to have the public right of way to Lough Erne restored.

Rumours around anti-social behaviour and drug dealing on the Lough were rubbished by the protesters who said the public road had been illegally obstructed.

Eamon O’Harte, a resident of Ports Road, said the latest protest was held to maintain the pressure on getting the road reopened and he says interest in the blockade is growing, with people from Belturbet, Co. Cavan arriving by boat at the recent protest.

“It was all very good natured and there was a good crowd and we are hopeful the Council will make a decision and go the way of the local people,” said Eamon.

“Everybody is determined to see the issue resolved and the road reopened but we just have to wait and see.

“At least there is a process going on and there has been a huge amount of responses apparently.”

With no activity happening on Ports Road this summer due to the blockade Eamon is hopeful that all will return to normal next year.

“This year has been lost effectively over the summer. But we are optimistic things will work and next year will be a different year in Ports.”

However, he added that while the blockade continues, protests will continue to take place until the issue is resolved.

“It depends on the Council’s timeline. The protests will stop when the road reopens and the sooner the better. Nobody needs to be protesting.”

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

A spokesperson said this week: “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 at Council Committee following the conclusion of the investigation.”