A FORMER manager of Traveller accommodation for Clare County Council has brought a High Court action for damages over alleged harassment and intimidation by Travellers.
Glenn McCreanor (44), Ballyshea, Kilnamona, Co Clare, claims he began his employment in February 2002 but in June 2003 was certified medically unfit for work.
Mr McCreanor claims the council was negligent and in breach of duty in failing to prevent him being physically threatened, intimidated and abused.
The council has denied the claims.
During his employment, he kept a diary of a number of incidents which allegedly occurred near a site at Gort Road, Ennis.
Opening the case, Dr Michael Forde SC, for Mr McCreanor, said his client was seeking damages and redeployment to another position. Counsel said his client’s problems had begun when some Travellers moved on to an illegal site a few hundred yards from the official site.
He said the intimidation and abuse came in the main from a certain family, one of whom was an armed robber. Difficulties arose when Mr McCreanor, without any Garda presence, was serving notice on those illegally camped.
In evidence, Mr McCreanor said he was initially subject to general abuse but this became more vicious. There was an attempt to pour petrol into his office through a keyhole in February 2003.
While in town with his wife some Travellers would come up and spit at him, he said. He also received death threats.
The hearing before Mr Justice John MacMenamin continues.