‘Gardens being used as toilets’ claim

Travellers who have illegally camped near Tulla graveyard are using the backgardens of nearby residents’ homes as toilets, it has been claimed.

At this week’s meeting of the Joint Policing Committee, Councillor Joe Cooney stated, “It’s a disgrace what’s been going on. They have been illegally parked outside the graveyard and it’s embarrassing for funeral goers who have to see that.
“They are causing a great disturbance. There are no facilities there and they are using backgardens for toilets,” he said.
Concerns were raised at the meeting about the level of illegal parking in North and West Clare.
Councillor Oliver Garry recalled a number of years ago, up to 70 caravans were illegally parked in Kilkee. “Members of the Travelling community come and take over. We invite tourists to come, they only stay a short while but a number of years back there were 70 caravans that took over Kilkee,” he said.
The meeting was told that gardaí issue on-the-spot fines to those caught parking illegally and Clare Chief Superintendent John Kerin emphasised that when it comes to enforcing the law, there is no differentiation between members of the Travelling community and holidaymakers.
Superintendent Kerin said the gardaí do not have the resources to impound 70 caravans at a time. He outlined that those found illegally parked on private land are given 48 hours to remove themselves.
“We try and follow the legislation as best we can but it is not easy legislation to enforce,” he said.
Councillor Joe Arkins suggested that by-laws could be put in place to tackle the issue and that special parking areas for camper vans be developed to encourage tourism.
However, Councillor PJ Ryan warned that the local authority should not over legislate, as this could deter tourists from visiting festivals in the county.