Location of halting sites not yet known

December 2002

Locations for transient halting sites in County Wicklow remain shrouded in secrecy as council officials prepare to enter negotiations with various landowners.

Advertisements were placed in the press some months ago, inviting ‘expressions of interest’ from landowners in relation to the provision of transient sites for travellers.

The county council’s Director of Services for Housing, Des O’Brien, confirmed that there were ‘a couple of sites’ to assess but, due to a lack of staff, the hadn’t yet got around to examining these sites.

‘We hope to do that in the next month. We will make a decision on whether or not to go to design stage or go to other sites.’

Cllr Pat Doran wondered if transient sites were needed, while Deputy Billy Timmins asked if the council were legally obliged to provide them.

‘ The answer is definitely yes’, replied Mr O’Brien.

‘When a lot of constituents get upset about people on the side of the road, there isn’t anywhere to send them at the moment. That’s why it is very urgent.’

Transient sites are for Travellers ‘on their summer holidays’, added Mr O’Brien, ‘while transitional sites are for those who are in new household situations.’