Bailiff attacks prompt action

Addressing the issue of rural crime generally the Minister stated: “I also plan to meet with Martin Callinan, the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána to discuss cross border rural crime, particularly the recent attacks on staff from the Loughs Agency of Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC).”

Bricks, stones and knives have been used to intimidate and attack Loughs Agency patrol staff, and last year a patrol boat on the River Foyle came under attack when a concrete block was dropped off a bridge.

The Minister vowed to explore ways of ensuring that these attacks do not continue. She has already met with Chief Constable of the PSNI Matt Baggott and Justice Minister David Ford to discuss the problem.