Traveller couple settle caravan case

South Dublin County Council has settled its case with an elderly Traveller couple who wanted the local authority to provide them with a centrally-heated and plumbed caravan.

Paddy and Bridget Doherty - who are in their 70s and in poor health - have been living in a caravan at a Clondalkin halting site, which is cold and damp and without plumbing or toilet and shower facilities.

They lost their High Court case with the judge saying that they were not being treated unequally to settled people, because they were offered apartment accommodation.

They appealed to the Supreme Court but the case settled today and they will receive an undisclosed sum which they can use to invest in a new caravan.