Co Antrim rave causes concern of distressed cattle losing calves

• By Donal McMahon , Local Democracy Reporter

An all-night Co Antrim rave has caused concerns over distressed pregnant cattle losing their calves.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council heard that the large outdoor music gathering had resulted in numerous complaints being made to an elected rep.

The rural uproar was also said to have put church goers at unease after it was said those who attended the rave entered into the nearby village in "not such a good state".

Killultagh DUP Alderman, James Tinsley said: "It was at the weekend there was a rave over Saturday night just outside Stoneyford from 10pm to 8am.

"The DJ could be heard right through the night. I was contacted by a number of local farmers about the high volume noise level of the music.

"They had told me the cattle were distressed and even one that was calving lost the calf. This was down to music blaring through the night in a rural area.

"There were also complaints in the village of people who were, let's say not in such a good state, wondering around as the local people were on their way to church on the Sunday morning."

He added: "What I want to know is, if we catch wind of these raves happening again, what can we reasonably do from a council perspective?

"There seems to be adverts for these raves popping up right up to Hallowe'en. Farmers are afraid for their cattle."

A council officer responded: "We have had several complaints and have been in contact with the landowner, who has given assurances not to have any more raves.

"There does seem to be more of these type of raves planned in Northern Ireland as advertised on social media.

"If there is going to be a number of these raves we can look in to trying to get them stopped with prior notice warnings.

"If there is loud music at 3am happening, it would be a matter for the police."

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