Members of Clare’s Travelling Community are being asked to engage with the local council regarding the provision of future accommodation following problems including numerous arson attacks in recent years.
Clare County Council’s Housing Committee has been told that local travellers are not currently participating in the process, and that two of the main sites in Ennis are vacant since houses were burned out.
The Beechpark Traveller accommodation site was the subject of a number of arson attacks and vandalism from 2010 to 2012, despite significant council expense on security. No one lives there at present, but with CCTV now in place, it is being prepared for occupation at a reduced capacity.
Houses were also burned out at Ashline on the Kilrush Road in November 2012 and February of this year – just one unit remains substantially complete with 5 others vacant and secured for now – with the council considering regeneration of the site, it’s suitability and demand.
Their latest report says other traveller specific accommodation is working well including sites in Ennistymon, Shannon and other parts of Ennis, but with a new plan due in 2014, members of travelling community are being urged to engage with the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative committee as efforts to generate interest have been so far unsuccessful.
