HOODED men with dogs were involved in a stand-off at 3am in efforts to enforce a High Court order to re-possess land, the Dail has been told.

Fine Gael TD, Martin Heyden, said up to 30 receivers and private security people were met by protesters in the late-night confrontation. It was not clear which side was wearing hoods or in charge of the dogs.

The Kildare South TD said local residents, many of whom were elderly and had no involvement whatever in the long-running dispute, were “terrorised” by the incident

Mr Heyden said the law must clarify the powers of receivers and security people in possession of a High Court order in these circumstances. He said the incident happened last week near Castledermot, on the Kildare-Carlow border.

The Fine Gael TD said the gardai were present – but they had no role beyond ensuring there was not any breach of the peace. He called for more clear guidelines to be set for people enforcing a High Court order in these circumstances.

“Re-possessions should not happen in dead of night,” Mr Heyden said.

The issue was also raised by the two other Kildare South TDs, Jack Wall of Labour and Sean O Fearghail of Fianna Fail, who also protested about it happening outside of daylight hours.

Answering for Justice Minister, Junior Minister Aodhan O Riordain said many people did not appreciate the limitations placed on gardai in this situation. He said the gardai could only ensure there was no breach of the peace.

Online Editors