Man accused of shooting at halting site fails to raise bail

A 39-year-old man appeared in court yesterday charged in connection with a shooting at a Travellers' halting site in Waterford city 12 days ago.

Patrick O'Reilly, from Dublin, was yesterday charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with "intent to commit assault causing serious harm" at the Kilbarry Halting site in Waterford on August 29th.

Michael Delaney (20) was shot in the legs at around 4.30am during an altercation at the halting site. Two other men received minor injuries in a fracas involving up to 12 people.

Judge William Earley, at the special sitting of the District Court in Waterford yesterday, granted bail despite an objection by Waterford city Garda Insp Pádraig Dunne.

However, Mr O'Reilly was remanded in custody to appear at the court again on Thursday, as he could not meet independent surety of €25,000 yesterday.

A number of conditions were attached to his bail, including a curfew. Mr O'Reilly must also sign on at a designated Garda station daily, refrain from having any contact with witnesses in the case, while remaining in Dublin and out of Waterford.

The accused was granted free legal aid, while solicitor John Devanne was assigned to represent the defendant.

Det Garda Sgt Anthony Pettit yesterday told the court how searches were carried out at Kilbarry, while an array of weaponry was confiscated.

John Delaney of Bay Five, Spring Lane halting site in Blackpool, Cork, and who is aged 22, was remanded in custody at the court on Thursday. He was charged with engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at the halting site on August 29th and was given consent to bail.

James Delaney (23) and Thomas Delaney (48), both with an address at Kilbarry halting site, were charged with trespass at the site on that date and were granted continuing bail.

John, James and Thomas Delaney first appeared at a special sitting of the District Court 19 hours after the shooting incident.

They were remanded to Kilkenny District Court on Tuesday last before appearing at the Waterford court on Thursday. All three are to appear at Waterford District Court again on Thursday.