Traveller encampment sparks angry protests

THE number of Travellers using an encampment on the outskirts of the heritage town of Cashel has sparked angry protests from members of the public and councillors who want them moved on.

Cllr Joe Moloney said the situation at the encampment would be “a joke” were it not so serious for residents and for the town in general. He said at one stage there were as many horses at the site as there are at trainer Aidan O’Brien’s stables in nearby Ballydoyle.

He said it was high time the council dealt with the situation.

Councillors are complaining about roaming dogs at the encampment, the accumulation of rubbish and about the unhygienic state of the entire area.

One councillor, Martin Browne (Ind), has submitted formal complaints to the gardaí, the ISPCA, and the town council vet.

The mayor, Cllr Tom Wood, said everyone is frustrated about the situation at the encampment and the Travellers are only doing themselves a disservice and making it more difficult for the settled community to accept them.

Spokesperson for Cashel Town Council, Sinead Carr, said the local authority appreciates there are difficulties at the encampment, but said there is no question of the council ignoring them.

She said the council has taken court action against families parked illegally on the outskirts of the town but it was a slow process.

In the wake of these latest allegations, the council will investigate the litter problem at the encampment and staff will also check on the number of horses there.

Ms Carr has confirmed that residents have been given a telephone number to contact the council if there are any difficulties.

A spokesperson for the Rural Tipperary Travellers Project was unavailable for comment last night.