Residents allowed stay

UP to 20 mobile homes at Potters Point resort in Brittas Bay remain occupied by people in self-isolation until restrictions are lifted.

However, the management of the 40-acre site maintain that no other residents or mobile home owners have arrived since March 25 when the Government announced that all holiday and caravan parks were to close due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Gardai also visited a number of local holiday parks during the week, including Potters Point, and let residents know that they could consider their mobile homes as their place of abode while restrictions remain in place.

Residents were informed about the parks closure on March 25 after the Government stated that all caravan parks were to close.

A small number of mobile home owners advised at the time that they would be self isolating. About 20 mobile homes have been occupied since March 25, and management insist that no extra people have arrived at Potters Point since 2km restrictions were announced.

The Government went on to clarify the difference between “permanent abode” caravan parks and “long stay” caravan parks, of which Potters Point is one. It was also stated that ‘ the aim of the restrictions is to limit tourist activity, not those who stay for long periods and feel the need to self-isolate. Judgement should be exercised by both users and operators of sites in this time of crisis which is constantly evolving.’

According to a statement released by the management of Potters Point: ‘ Throughout the Government announcements, we have been in regular contact with the Gardai to appraise them of the situation and to seek their guidance. On April 8, the Gardai wrote to us with advices. We circulated this by email to all our 175 mobile hone owners. On Wednesday, April 8, Wicklow Gardai visited a number of caravan parks in Brittas Bay, including Potters Point. We understand that they communicated directly with occupants of mobile homes and told them that they were to consider their mobile homes their place of abode for the duration of the restrictions. The park and all of its amenities will remain closed until such time as the Government restrictions are lifted.’

All the facilities and amenities at Potters Point also remain closed, including the golf course, tennis courts and playground.

Cllr Mary Kavanagh says it is important that visitors and tourists respect the Covid-19 restrictions and remain within the 2km limit of their home.

‘We love tourists in Wicklow and always give them a warm welcome but I would just ask people to stay away and remain in their homes until the restrictions are lifted. There are vulnerable people out there and they need to be protected. Wicklow will welcome all tourists and visitors with open arms once the lock-down is over.’