asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the considerable annoyance caused to residents in Dublin city by reason of the presence of itinerant encampments on unfenced Dublin Corporation property, and of the failure of the Corporation to prevent such encampments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Annoyance from Itinerant Encampments.
18.
Mr. Ryan
I am aware that many residents in Dublin city are annoyed by the presence of itinerant encampments near their homes and that among the open spaces used for such encampments are some owned by the Dublin Corporation. I understand that the Corporation exercise their powers under the provisions of the Sanitary Services Acts relating to nuisances so as to prevent, as far as possible, the use of such spaces in this way.
The Corporation and local authorities generally are statutorily responsible mainly from the aspect of public health, but the itinerant problem is a complex one requiring consideration from a number of other aspects as well. The question whether further legislation is necessary or desirable is under consideration.
Mr. Ryan
Does the Minister believe that it is proper that Dublin Corporation should leave large fields unfenced in such a way as to permit of these encampments being set up to the great annoyance and indeed to the loss of people in adjoining property, because that is what is happening? Can the Minister further explain why Dublin Corporation cannot do as Cork Corporation does—prosecute day after day the people who maintain these encampments?
The Deputy should be well aware of the powers under which any of these local authorities may proceed. They are many and varied and somewhat conflicting, but there is a method of dealing with that. I do not agree that Dublin Corporation are as remiss in this regard as the Deputy would seem to suggest.
Mr. Ryan
Will the Minister look into the matter and investigate it, when he will find that my complaints are well justified?
The Minister has looked into it and does not draw the same conclusion as the Deputy.
Would the Minister mind giving the references to the powers he has mentioned?
If the Deputy would like to have them submitted to him I shall do that.
I would.