Vandalism and arson destroy 10 Traveller homes

TEN Traveller homes that were part of Clare County Council’s €20 million spend over 10 years on Traveller accommodation have been destroyed by arson and vandalism, it has emerged.

The findings were revealed in a report on the costs of Traveller accommodation, which is due to be put before council members on Monday. Last month, it was confirmed that the council was €450,000 over budget on Traveller issues in 2011.

In her report, Bernadette Kinsella, the director for housing said the €20m included the building of 48 houses, two apartments and 13 serviced bay units.

One of the group accommodation units is located at Beechpark outside Ennis, where the council has spent €3,000 a week on security over the past year, following an arson attack.

Three homes remain empty and Ms Kinsella reports: “Efforts to let three refurbished houses in this scheme are ongoing, but unsuccessful, due to intimidation and threats within the Traveller community.”

She said: “The incidence of inter-Traveller disputes that results in tenanted council properties being damaged is high.”

She said that five accommodation units have been destroyed by arson in the past 22 months at sites at Beechpark, Ashline and Ballymaley.

The report shows the five-unit Beechpark accommodation site cost €2.2m to build and that maintenance costs last year were €151,900.

In relation to unauthorised encampment by the road, Ms Kinsella said the council has issued 201 statutory notices in two years instructing the removal of temporary dwellings.

Ms Kinsella also said the percentage rent collection for all Traveller accommodation for the period January to August was “low”.

“This situation cannot be accepted and the council is implementing its arrears policy in accordance with due process. Thirteen formal letters under our code of practice have issued with five notices to quit. Legal proceedings are pending in three cases in order to secure a court judgment.”