Locals angry as convoy of caravans move into carpark

April 2005

A CARAVAN convoy of more than 15 caravans and cars took over the harbour car-park in Greystones at the weekend, prompting an angry reaction from locals.

Between 15 and 20 caravans and vehicles took over the carpark opposite the Beach House pub at the weekend, and remained there until they moved on to Charlesland at lunchtime on Tuesday when they were moved on by Gardai.

One local councillor who tried to block the travellers’ entrance to the harbour carpark claimed he was told his car would be pushed in to the sea.

‘I and another councillor put our cars across the entrance of the car park but we were told that they would be capsized in the harbour if we did not move,’ said Cllr Derek Mitchell, speaking at Monday’s meeting of Wicklow County Council.

‘I think that it is ridiculous that people can do this without any fear of fines or any sanction. The present law is not able to make Travellers responsible for their behaviour towards their neighbours and the community. The law must be changed.’

The owners of the caravans found themselves the centre of media attention. Interviewed on RTE radio, one man told RTE’s Pat Kenny show that they were up from Limerick and they were on their holidays.

The caravan convoy left the harbour carpark at Greystones and moved on to a road at the new Charlesland housing development.

Yesterday afternoon it was understood that the convoy had re-located to a carpark at Brittas Bay.