Citizen Traveller shocked at closure decision

The Citizen Traveller Campaign has reacted with shock to the Government's decision to shut down the campaign.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said this afternoon that he was ending the campaign because it had failed to bridge the divide between Traveller and settled communities.

Fr Stephen Monaghan, a spokesman for the group, said the decision was made without consultation.

"There were a number of other recommendations made. We would have appreciated the opportunity to explore them for the future," he said.

Earlier this year, the Government suspended funding to the Citizen Traveller Campaign after it sharply criticised legislation giving Gardai the power to confiscate illegally parked caravans without the knowledge of their owners.

The group also used money provided from government funds to run an advertising campaign saying that: "Suddenly, in caring Ireland, to be a Traveller is a terrible crime."