Kerry has to get ready for annual Traveller influx

AS Kerry awaits the annual summer influx of Travellers, there was a warning yesterday that some towns and villages will have serious difficulties if temporary halting sites are not provided for those attending festivals in the county.

The warning came from Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Cahill, who referred in particular to age-old Puck Fair, in Killorglin, which is patronised by large numbers of Travellers.

He said neighbouring villages, including Milltown and Glenbeigh, would have major problems if something was not done to accommodate Travellers at Puck Fair.

However, new draft Kerry County Council bylaws stipulated that the organisers of festivals, such as Puck, the Rose of Tralee and Listowel Races, would in future be responsible for providing accommodation for Travellers.

FF councillor Paul O’Donoghue said it was unfair to put the onus for providing accommodation on local committees.

The council agreed to adopt the bylaws, but removed the stipulation about local committee’s accommodation responsibilities.

Sinn Féin councillor Toireasa Ferris urged councillors to show some restraint in their condemnation of Travellers and called for the appointment of a liaison officer to meet Travellers and discuss their accommodation needs with them.

“The lack of accommodation facilities is a something that needs to be addressed urgently,” she said.

Mayor Ned O’Sullivan said he had concerns about putting the onus on local committees and added that all local councils in Kerry had very good records in regard to accommodating Travellers down the last years.