Tourist writes to complain about illegal parking of campers and caravans
IN a letter to the editor tourist Martin Williams took the time to write to complain about what he witnessed in respect of illegal parking of camper vans at Rosses Point.
He was visiting and staying in Rosses Point last weekend from his home in Kesh, County Fermanagh.
This is what Martin had to say:
“I have just returned from a nice few days at Rosses
Point Caravan Park. My wife and myself were invited by my wife’s parents to join them in their caravan for the weekend.
“The Caravan Park was just beautiful with stunning views of the ocean and surrounding countryside.
“The reason I am writing is to highlight the illegal parking of caravans and motor homes on the road overlooking the ocean and directly outside the caravan park.
“We could not believe the sheer cheek of many of the occupants of the said vehicles. They climbed over the fence and entered the park some to use the toilet facilities and others to fill their water containers.
“There were also many young children climbing over the fence and running around the park and generally making a total nuisance of themselves. On Sunday morning I observed two men emptying their toilet containers into the sand dunes and there was rubbish strewn all over the place.
“We paid almost 80 euro for the privilege of staying on this beautiful park and the 40 odd illegal parked caravans and motor homes paid zero.
“One has to wonder what type of organisation is Sligo County Council. They have large signs stating ‘No Overnight Parking’ ‘ No camping’ and ‘CCTV in operation’ and ‘Vehicles will be wheel clamped.’ What a waste of the cost making said signs when no enforcement of the regulations is being carried out.
“On our way home on Sunday afternoon we drove into Mullaghmore and again found 11 motor homes parked up and no camping signs in several places along the front.
“I enquired in a local hotel if these vehicles are parked overnight and was informed this was the practice every weekend and in the week as well.
“Come on Sligo County Council enfore the laws you make and stamp out this illegal practice of motor homes parking in front of signs erected by yourselves.”
Sligo County Council issued the following statement yesterday (Monday): “Due to the unprecedented good weather, there has been an increase in illegal overnight parking and camping, particularly in Mullaghmore and Rossespoint.
“In accordance with the Beach Bye-Laws 2007, a person shall not place or keep any caravan, mobile-home or tent on any part of the beaches otherwise than with the permission in writing of an Authorised Person and subject to the terms and conditions of such permission.
“A person who contravenes these bye-laws shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €1,904.60. A person alleged to have contravened any of these bye-laws may be served with a Notice pursuant to Section 206 of the Local Government Act 2001 specifying a fixed payment of €75 to be paid within 21 days.
“Signage is in place at both Mullaghmore and Rossespoint outlining “No camping or overnight parking”.
“There have been no official complaints received, however owners of campervans have been approached by our staff and have been requested to move on.
“Under Section 69 of the Roads Act 1993, makes it an offence to place or retain a temporary dwelling on any road.
“Where overnight parking/camping is taking place on the side of the road and is deemed a hazard to other road users, a member of Gardai have the powers to move them on.”