A former Mayor of Clare says the only solution to an illegal encampment in Sixmilebridge is to find the occupants a Council house.
The individuals have been present at the town’s train station since early last year.
Occupiers of an encampment near Illaunumangh Graveyard in Shannon left there in January 2021 and moved on to Sixmilebridge shortly afterwards.
There were calls at the time for a greater Garda presence in and around the train station area, and those calls are now being renewed.
It’s understood the Clare Garda Division has been working closely with Irish Rail and Clare County Council since the issue first took hold.
A report by the Council of Europe published last year has found local authority housing standards in Ireland to be ‘inadequate’, and that the State’s treatment of members of Travellers is ‘violation of their rights’.
Sixmilebridge-based Independent Councillor PJ Ryan believes despite the circumstances, the only way the matter will be solved is when the encampment’s occupants are housed.
The situation has prompted fears of anti-social behaviour taking place as the evenings get darker, as was alleged to have occurred at the train station last winter.
Kilmurry-based Fianna Fail Councillor Alan O’ Callaghan claims the current situation is preventing commuters from using public transport in Sixmilebridge.
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