Travellers refuse offer of accommodation from Limerick City and County Council, court hears

TWO caravans out of a total of 10 remain at a busy roundabout after prosecutions by Limerick City and County Council.

In February, the local authority took legal action against a number of Travellers to move their caravans to allow contractors commence work on the "transformative" €31m Limerick Northern Distributor Road. Construction work has commenced.

Christina Faulkner, Lisa Crawford, Chloe Kennedy and Patrick O’Halloran, all with separate addresses c/o The Caravan, Coonagh, Co Limerick, were before Limerick District Court for breaching enforcement notices over unauthorised caravans.

The judge imposed two weeks imprisonment on each of the four defendants, which he suspended for one year subject to them moving their caravans and not returning to the location.

Last Friday, Will Leahy, solicitor for the council, told Limerick District Court that the number of caravans at the Coonagh roundabout has reduced from 10 to two. He previously said the council have spent €16,000 clearing up rubbish at the site.

James and Teresa Harty, c/o The Caravan, Coonagh, Co Limerick are one of the couples in the last two caravans.

Mr Leahy said it is a serious issue as the caravans are  causing traffic problems at a roundabout that accesses a busy Tesco and is “extraordinarily dangerous”. The court heard they are not blocking works on the new road.

Nicholas Hall, barrister for James and Teresa Harty, said they have been offered alternative accommodation in a pod located beside a men’s hostel.

“Mrs Harty has witnessed certain behaviours at that residence. She has serious concerns over its suitability for Mr Harty. He is a vulnerable individual.

"That environment would present a ready threat to him and put him at risk,” said Mr Hall, who asked for more time for engagement with the local authority to find alternative accommodation that would be suitable.

READ MORE: Conor Murray's dad forced to miss his wedding to Joanna Cooper over collision

Mr Leahy said the council feels the refusal is unreasonable.

“The council operates two different accommodation centres adjacent to each other. One is indeed a men's hostel, the other is a group of apartment pods. Mr and Mrs Harty were offered one of those.

“I'm informed they refused it on the grounds of the men's hostel next door. I'm instructed it's a completely different building and has a different entrance. 

“As of this morning three of the 10 pods are occupied by couples,” said Mr Leahy, who submitted it was an unreasonable refusal.

Mr Hall said if his clients are moved they would be at significant risk of homelessness.

Mr Leahy said the pod offer is still available to them.

Judge Michael Ramsey imposed two weeks' imprisonment on Mr and Mrs Harty which he suspended for one year subject to them moving their caravan within 10 days and not returning to the location in Coonagh.

The case against the Traveller couple in the remaining caravan was adjourned.