Businessman Gets Suspended Sentence, €1,500 Fine for Whitegate Refinery Protest

Ivor Sweeney, 51, a businessman, received a two-month suspended sentence and a €1,500 fine after pleading guilty to causing an obstruction by climbing on an oil tanker at Whitegate Refinery in Co Cork on April 10th.

Midleton District Court heard Sweeney spent an hour and 15 minutes atop the tanker. Gardaí, including two trained negotiators, were present at the refinery blockade. Sgt Majella O’Sullivan described the offense as serious, noting Sweeney failed to comply with directions from An Garda Síochána.

Sweeney, who has no previous convictions, was arrested at 5:05 PM. His solicitor, Wayne O’Sullivan, stated Sweeney was remorseful and developed hypothermia during the protest. Sweeney explained he climbed the tanker because negotiations with the Government in Dublin had broken down, aiming to exercise his right to democratic protest. Judge Colm Roberts noted Sweeney was a rational adult aware of his actions' consequences.