Whitegate protestor appears in Cork court on driving charges

A man who was chased by gardaí after he allegedly drove his tractor and slurry tank through a garda checkpoint in last week’s fuel protest near Whitegate has been charged with five counts of dangerous driving.

Darra O’Shea, aged 27, was charged that he drove in a manner that was dangerous to the public, or was likely to be dangerous to the public, at five locations in East Cork on April 11, contrary to Section 53(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 as substituted by Sec 4 of the Road Traffic (No. 2) Act 2011.

The locations in which he has been charged with dangerous driving are: Knockanemorney, Rostellan; Rostellan, Midleton; Lower Aghada, Midleton; Whitewell Cross, Whitegate; and Ballynafarsid, Rostellan.

Mr O’Shea, with an address at Corbally South, Ballincurrig, Leamlara, Cork, appeared in Midleton District Court while more than 100 people, believed to be there in support of him, waited outside.

Sergeant Linda O’Leary requested certain bail conditions for Mr O’Shea to include social media restrictions. This was agreed to in court by Mr O’Shea’s barrister, Elaine Audley, BL.

Judge Colm Roberts granted Mr O’Shea bail on his own bond of €500. His bail conditions include that he refrain from posting messages via social media in relation to his charges before the court and that he keep the peace.

Mr O’Shea is a stranger to the court and has no issue keeping the peace, Ms Audley said.

His case was adjourned until June 25, 2026. Ms Audley said her client was anxious that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions be available at that time.

Sgt O’Leary said gardaí would do their best to progress the file.

More than 100 people gathered at Midleton Courthouse, many saying that they were there to support Mr O’Shea. Many also said they had been involved in last week's fuel protest.

A banner unfurled by supporters outside court said: “Fighting for survival – we stand with Dara.”