Councillors tackle issue of Traveller housing in county
PLANS in the new Traveller Accommodation Programme were criticised by councillors.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh drew members’ attentions to a headline in the day’s papers concerning how Traveller families in Thurles had refused houses on the grounds that they did not take into account Traveller culture. The families sought stables or paddocks for horses owned by members of the extended Traveller family who were due to move into a new €1.7 million housing development. Cllr Kavanagh said: ‘I think we need to get a grip in this country. We have just spent half an hour talking about the shortage in social housing in urban areas in our county.
‘The Minister for Education has said Traveller culture should be on the curriculum in schools.
‘I was thinking of setting up my own consultancy business and I could give some lectures myself. The issue we have is solving the accommodation needs of people not animals.’
Cllr Malcolm Byrne said there was a serious issue with two large encampments of Travellers in Gorey and Courtown in August.
‘It caused hell for businesses and for people living and working in the area. We had a situation where people were defecating in public and rubbish was left behind. It’s just not acceptable and we don’t care who is involved. Along with rights comes responsibilities. As part of this programme we have responsibility for accommodating people but we have to look at dealing with encampments at the height of our tourist season.’
He said Courtown was blocked off for a time.
Cllr Robbie Ireton said: ‘We are the sufferers of this. We pay our fair share of rates and we seem to be on our own when we get an influx of 22 campers with no water, no toilets and no facilities in one of the most scenic areas of Courtown with the heat we had. Fires were supposed to be restricted to one and I counted five. There was no law and order.’
‘Apart from the settled community I find it extraordinary in this day and age that there is such segregation from the ordinary community and the settled community. It’s not on! We have no problem respecting anyone who respects us.’
Cllr David Hynes said anti-social behaviour is not confined to Travellers, saying that they become a target in discussions like this.
‘We have seen statistics about their lower death rate and their health problems. At the same time I agree that there should be one law for all.’
Cllr Ireton said: ‘We spend a fortune in this county trying to bring tourists in and the entire area was covered in excrement for tourists to see.’
Cllr Tony Walsh said suicide is a major problem within the Traveller community, adding that they are in a transition period. ‘We have to look at doing things now to bring about change for them.’
Cllr Fionntáin Ó Suilleabháin said Cllr Kavanagh’s remarks were insensitive. ‘We have to look at the broader context. All parts of our culture have to be taught. It doesn’t mean you condone horrendous anti-social behaviour happening in Courtown and Gorey. It’s a very easy target.’