Solutions sought in relation to illegal campsites at The Heath in Portlaoise
Scores of caravans arrived at The Heath last week
A High Court order directing an encampment to move off State owned lands at The Heath was delivered on Wednesday.
The main encampment which features a large tent consists of members of the ‘Vie et Lumière’ or ‘Life and Light’ an evangelical mission which originated in France and preaches the gospel, primarily to Roma gypsies and Travellers. Its members told the Leinster Express that they intended to move on most likely by Sunday. However, it’s believed a smaller second group may also now have camped up at The Heath.
Members of ‘Vie et Lumière’ said they don’t drink alcohol or party and they had arranged portable toilets and teams of volunteers to clean up their campsite. They said they had concerns about the level of depression and suicide among Travellers and they wanted to preach the gospel.
Laois TD Brian Stanley said he had visited The Heath on Saturday and again last Tuesday where he met with local residents.
Gardaí informed the OPW of the encampment on Wednesday, June 24. The OPW then served notice on the camp directing them to move within 24 hours on last Saturday, June 27.
Gardai informed the OPW that the camp remained in place on Monday and the OPW went to the High Court on Tuesday, June 30 and secured an interim injunction directing the occupiers to vacate the lands.
The Court also granted liberty for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (as legal land owner) to issue a Notice of Motion seeking interlocutory injunctive relief returnable for Friday, July 3.
Deputy Stanley said he wanted to help find a solution to illegal encampments at The Heath.
“I am also requesting a meeting for the residents with the Minister regarding this, to get a permanent solution,” said Dep Stanley.