Now..they have visited Red Bull, Cycling Ireland and Coillte and this morning I got this letter,
Dear Mr Byrne,
I refer to the "EPIC Blast" event which took place at Ballinastoe of 10th and 11th September last.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service ( NPWS) is conducting an investigation ( on behalf of the Minister) into possible criminal offences arising from the organizing and conduct of that event, in so far as it involved entry to the Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation ( a "European Site") for the purpose of carrying out ( or Organising) a recreational activity likely to damage the site. The lands at issue are also part of The Wicklow Mountains National Park
It is suspected that you were involved in organising this event. Depending on the outcome of that investigation, you could be prosecuted by the The minister for Arts , Heritage and the Gaeltacht for criminal offences under statutory Instrument 293/2010 - the European Communities ( Birds and Natural Habitats )(Control of Recreational Activities ) Regulations 2010
The NPS would welcome an opportunity to hear your side of the story. Specifically, we would interview you and take a formal cautioned statement. You are not obliged to accept this invitation in whole or in part, but NPWS would like to hear your side of the story should you wish to provide it; hearing your story could influence the decision to prosecute or not to prosecute. You may wish to seek legal advice on this matter, and you may wish to bring a solicitor or other person with you to any meeting.
So there you go...
Alfie also got the same letter. This is why I am looking for a solicitor.
I can ask around at work if you haven't found anyone yet. We don't have anyone in the firm who would specialize in criminal law but I'm sure they can recommend someone...
Sure if permission was given by Coillte how can any laws have been broke??They knew the route of the course,would'nt they have said if any part of it was on "protected" land??
Sure if permission was given by Coillte how can any laws have been broke??They knew the route of the course,would'nt they have said if any part of it was on "protected" land??
The whole fuss is about the mountain above the Coillte land...
sure its only covered in grass and heather,not exactly rare plants!!!And sheep are eating this vegatation,if it was that special grazing would'nt be allowed!!Looks like a load of bill1x to me from the NPWS!!
exactly..BON also got one. Last year I was up there and Wicklow Firebrigade were setting fore to the Heather to prevent fires..like you say Rich, somebody in an office wants to justify his job. What is it about mountainbiking that brings out the worst and best in people.
How many activities have so many people trying to to stop them enjoying themselves and the outdoors, from the flutes blocking trails to Coillte with their ridiculous demands to the people and their laws.
I wonder are we being persecuted ? we are a minority and we are different colours. SOme of us are of dubious sexuality.
I think its time to fight back, I mean really fight.
In fairness to the NPWS if this has been brought to their attention they have to be seen to act. The best thing to do is meet with them to clear the air, be forthright and if we have broken a law in ignorance, then put up the hand and apologise. A solicitor would be advisable. It was certainly no ones intention to contravene any laws. The event could not have been more above board if we tried. I have serious doubts that any sanction would be brought to bear, what good would that do anyone?
But most of all I would stop discussing it here, if things go legal a serious level head is required.
In fairness to the NPWS if this has been brought to their attention they have to be seen to act. The best thing to do is meet with them to clear the air, be forthright and if we have broken a law in ignorance, then put up the hand and apologise. A solicitor would be advisable. It was certainly no ones intention to contravene any laws. The event could not have been more above board if we tried. I have serious doubts that any sanction would be brought to bear, what good would that do anyone?
But most of all I would stop discussing it here, if things go legal a serious level head is required.
Exactly, if it did end up in court (which I think is highly unlikely) whatever was ever written on the forum, e-mails etc. can be dug up in the discovery and used as evidence in court
Love it!
A solicitor will clear your mind on the issue
I recommend you call Anthony Joyce Solicitor (01 45 45 000) and tell him I sent you and talk to him over the phone which will cost you nothing
(he may even do Pro Bono work for you if he can publicise the case - he loves to support the underdog against the "machine"! )
As you and many other people have held events in Djouce in the past, a precedent has been set and since they took no action before, they will have real difficulty trying it take action now..imo
if that doesnt work - tell them your a gay traveller and see if they pursue you then!
Now..they have visited Red Bull, Cycling Ireland and Coillte and this morning I got this letter,
Dear Mr Byrne,
I refer to the "EPIC Blast" event which took place at Ballinastoe of 10th and 11th September last.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service ( NPWS) is conducting an investigation ( on behalf of the Minister) into possible criminal offences arising from the organizing and conduct of that event, in so far as it involved entry to the Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation ( a "European Site") for the purpose of carrying out ( or Organising) a recreational activity likely to damage the site. The lands at issue are also part of The Wicklow Mountains National Park
It is suspected that you were involved in organising this event. Depending on the outcome of that investigation, you could be prosecuted by the The minister for Arts , Heritage and the Gaeltacht for criminal offences under statutory Instrument 293/2010 - the European Communities ( Birds and Natural Habitats )(Control of Recreational Activities ) Regulations 2010
The NPS would welcome an opportunity to hear your side of the story. Specifically, we would interview you and take a formal cautioned statement. You are not obliged to accept this invitation in whole or in part, but NPWS would like to hear your side of the story should you wish to provide it; hearing your story could influence the decision to prosecute or not to prosecute. You may wish to seek legal advice on this matter, and you may wish to bring a solicitor or other person with you to any meeting.
So there you go...
Alfie also got the same letter. This is why I am looking for a solicitor.
I can ask around at work if you haven't found anyone yet. We don't have anyone in the firm who would specialize in criminal law but I'm sure they can recommend someone...
Sure if permission was given by Coillte how can any laws have been broke??They knew the route of the course,would'nt they have said if any part of it was on "protected" land??
Sure if permission was given by Coillte how can any laws have been broke??They knew the route of the course,would'nt they have said if any part of it was on "protected" land??
The whole fuss is about the mountain above the Coillte land...
sure its only covered in grass and heather,not exactly rare plants!!!And sheep are eating this vegatation,if it was that special grazing would'nt be allowed!!Looks like a load of bill1x to me from the NPWS!!
exactly..BON also got one. Last year I was up there and Wicklow Firebrigade were setting fore to the Heather to prevent fires..like you say Rich, somebody in an office wants to justify his job. What is it about mountainbiking that brings out the worst and best in people.
How many activities have so many people trying to to stop them enjoying themselves and the outdoors, from the flutes blocking trails to Coillte with their ridiculous demands to the people and their laws.
I wonder are we being persecuted ? we are a minority and we are different colours. SOme of us are of dubious sexuality.
I think its time to fight back, I mean really fight.
In fairness to the NPWS if this has been brought to their attention they have to be seen to act. The best thing to do is meet with them to clear the air, be forthright and if we have broken a law in ignorance, then put up the hand and apologise. A solicitor would be advisable. It was certainly no ones intention to contravene any laws. The event could not have been more above board if we tried. I have serious doubts that any sanction would be brought to bear, what good would that do anyone?
But most of all I would stop discussing it here, if things go legal a serious level head is required.
In fairness to the NPWS if this has been brought to their attention they have to be seen to act. The best thing to do is meet with them to clear the air, be forthright and if we have broken a law in ignorance, then put up the hand and apologise. A solicitor would be advisable. It was certainly no ones intention to contravene any laws. The event could not have been more above board if we tried. I have serious doubts that any sanction would be brought to bear, what good would that do anyone?
But most of all I would stop discussing it here, if things go legal a serious level head is required.
Exactly, if it did end up in court (which I think is highly unlikely) whatever was ever written on the forum, e-mails etc. can be dug up in the discovery and used as evidence in court
Love it!
A solicitor will clear your mind on the issue
I recommend you call Anthony Joyce Solicitor (01 45 45 000) and tell him I sent you and talk to him over the phone which will cost you nothing
(he may even do Pro Bono work for you if he can publicise the case - he loves to support the underdog against the "machine"! )
As you and many other people have held events in Djouce in the past, a precedent has been set and since they took no action before, they will have real difficulty trying it take action now..imo
if that doesnt work - tell them your a gay traveller and see if they pursue you then!