Calls have been made for a change in the law regarding traveller accomodation following what’s described as a disturbing report on the wanton vandalism of local housing developments in Clare.
With 20 million euro spent on traveller housing in Clare in 10 years, there’s been widespread condemnation following revelations that one fifth of the housing units built have been destroyed by fire or vandalism in Ennis and Shannon.
Last evening’s meeting of Clare County Council was told that at the Beechpark Halting site in Ennis cost 2.2 million euro to build and a further 300,000 euro to maintain over the last two years, but 3 houses remain vacant due to intimidation and threats among the traveller community.
The report has prompted the Clare County Manager Tom Coughlan to call for changes in the law, as he said a small number of traveller families are burning houses and threatening staff, while also costing money the local authority doesn’t have.
